The Environmental Movement "Ozone" called for Sinjajevina to be declared a nature park. They asked if NATO's interests were more important than the public's.
"The ecological movement 'Ozone' warns the public of Montenegro regarding the current events in Sinjajevina and the renewed intention to use this beautiful natural area for the purposes of the NATO military pact, despite the opposition of the locals and citizens who use that area for agriculture, sports and recreational activities that anything other than declaring it a nature park would damage the development potential of that natural resource," the NGO announced.
It is disappointing, as they said, that the "aggressive policy of the Government to use that space for military exercises at all costs" was not abandoned. They stated that this "calls into question independence in decision-making" and respect for the will of the citizens, "whose interests it should protect and puts us all in a dilemma as to whether NATO's interests are more important than the public's".
"The worst thing is that the Army of Montenegro, which should have the best image among the citizens, is also suffering because of the bad management of the executive power, which is incomprehensible and shows the inability of those who should understand the consequences caused by arrogant attitude and false promises to the people. We are witnesses that these days, in the context of the military exercise in Sinjajavina, the public is additionally (in)confused by the statements of the most responsible people of the Government. In particular, it is unclear why the Ministry of Internal Affairs is advertising regarding the speculation of the use of live ammunition by the army, because it is not their responsibility, just like that they speculated about the involvement of the Army of Montenegro in the issue of exploitation of river material", they added from "Ozon".
They said that it is clear what is the best decision and the public interest.
"While on the ground they are risking the health of the locals and environmental activists who are staying in Sinjajevina these days with the aim of alerting the public to another harmful intention of the authorities, those who are entrusted with making decisions seem to have no idea how citizens perceive attempts to manipulate common sense.
"We are very worried about the current tension, and this time, as in many cases up to now, we call on the Government of Montenegro to, in cooperation with the local administrations under whose jurisdiction Sinjajevina also falls, bring to the end the initiative to declare the Nature Park, to lay the foundations for sustainable development of that space, because it is in the interest of all citizens.
"It is clear what is the best decision and the public interest, we hope that the Government will understand what it needs to do and that the citizens who live in Sinjajevina will return to their families and daily responsibilities as soon as possible, relieved of their worries and in good health," concludes the announcement.
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