ZAGREB, August 7, 2018 – Montenegro is turned to a secure European future and resolutely walking in step with developed democracies, free of the ballast of the past, Podgorica said on Tuesday in response to accusations from the pro-Serbian opposition that it was scandalous and disgraceful that Montenegro’s military envoy attended the anniversary celebration of Croatia’s Operation Storm.
The Defence Ministry said Montenegro’s military envoy to Croatia, Ivan Mašulović, was not in Knin on Sunday to celebrate anyone’s victories or defeats nor the killing of any people.
The ministry said Mašulović participated in the marking of Croatia’s Victory Day as part of his regular activities and at the invitation of the host, in line with usual diplomatic protocol.
Montenegro showed its stance about the people who were killed when they needed it most, the ministry said.
Regardless of anyone’s expectations, Montenegro will never again fight anyone else’s battles and is focused on its development and progress as well as building good neighbourly relations with all countries in the region, the ministry said. Montenegro has that stance both regarding the close and friendly Serbia and the close and friendly Croatia, its ally in NATO, the ministry added.
The pro-Serbian opposition Democratic Front has called for an urgent parliament session over Mašulović’s presence at the Operation Storm anniversary celebration, calling it scandalous, while United Montenegro has asked Prime Minister Duško Marković to resign because the country has been smeared and embarrassed.
