In the fertile Zeta plain, which has always been the breadbasket of our people, history was conceived – not only of Zeta, but of the very core of Serbian statehood. With these words, theSpeaker of the Parliament of Montenegro Andrija Mandic congratulated the leadership of the Municipality and the Municipal Assembly, as well as the citizens of the Municipality of Zeta, on the Day of the Municipality of Zeta.
In a statement delivered from the Assembly, Mandić stated that Zeta "was the cornerstone of the magnificent Nemanjić empire."
"In the fertile Zeta plain, which has always been the breadbasket of our people, history was conceived - not only of Zeta, but of the very core of Serbian statehood. Almost a thousand years ago, a Byzantine chronicler first wrote down its name, and since then until today, Zeta has stood as an unshakable fortress of our identity and glorious past. It was the cornerstone of the magnificent Nemanjić empire. Not far from here, in old Ribnica, Stefan Nemanja was born, the one who would light the torch of Serbian freedom, turning the flame of Zeta into a fire that would illuminate the entire Middle Ages," said Mandić.
He added that the fate of these spaces has never been easy.
"When the empire collapsed, Zeta found itself torn between two powerful worlds – the Venetian Republic and the Ottoman Empire. However, the people of this region were never inclined to submit. The Balšićs, Lazarevićs, Brankovićs, Crnojevićs – for a century and a half they held the flag of freedom high, until the fateful year of 1496, when Zeta lost its statehood, but deeply preserving its soul. The people of Zeta were and remain the strongest bulwark of resistance. Entire centuries passed in blood and struggle, in sweat and suffering, while you waited for the dawn of freedom. And finally, 146 years ago, that dawn dawned – the Berlin Congress returned Podgorica and Zeta to the fold of Montenegro, to the embrace of brothers, where it always belonged."
Mandić also stated that Zeta today is not only a symbol of history, but also a symbol of strength, defiance and chivalry.
"This land, which nourishes itself and others, carries within itself the spirit of those who have preserved honor and justice throughout the centuries. Your field is not only fertile land – it is sacred ground, soaked with the sacrifice of your ancestors, but also filled with hope for the future. The time of divisions, quarrels, selfish interests and false standards belongs to the past. Ahead of us is a new Montenegro, in which things are resolved through dialogue, respect and justice. Peace and stability are sacred things that we must protect. Your efforts and your dedication are not just for you, but for all of us – for the whole of Montenegro," said Mandić.
Bonus video:
