There is no organized crime in Montenegro, and that and the issue of corruption are always overemphasized on the way to the European Union (EU), the Russian ambassador to Montenegro Jakov Gerasimov said last night.
Commenting on Lord Paddy Ashdown's assessment that the Moscow mafia could buy almost all of Montenegro and that the authorities in Podgorica must be consistent with European and not Russian standards, Gerasimov said that things are not exactly like that and that it is more about a generally negative attitude towards Russia .
"It's a question of linguistics. It is said that Russia bought something, but in fact it is about different companies. Russian companies do a lot of business in EU countries, and they must work and work according to European standards," said Gerasimov at the forum organized by the Center for Civic Education (CGO).
Montenegro's desire to join the EU, the Russian ambassador claims, will not pose a problem in its relations with Russia, because his country is trying to have the best possible relations with the EU.
"Joining the EU has a lot of positive things, but there will also be a lot of obligations that need to be fulfilled. I wish all the best to brotherly Montenegro, but it won't be easy", believes Gerasimov.
Although he did not want to comment in detail on Montenegro's desire to join NATO, Gerasimov said that Russia's position is known and that they are against the expansion of the Alliance. However, he claims, our country's entry into NATO will not have consequences for relations between Russia and Montenegro.
Referring to complaints that the Russians bought all the lots in the most beautiful locations in Montenegro, Gerasimov said that they only buy what is for sale.
"If I were a Montenegrin, I would never sell the beautiful plots that have been in the family for 11 generations," he said.
Russian investors, he emphasized, were very brave because they came and bought without clear legal regulations.
"Investors from the West did not want to do that," said Gerasimov and added that the only problem for investments is the financial crisis.
The Russian ambassador advised Montenegro, when it comes to tourism, to preserve the natural beauty it has and to build its own style because "there will never be another Monaco".
Bonus video:
