PODGORICA, FEBRUARY 11 (ONASA-MINA) – Montenegro is a multi-ethnic country, which is confirmed by good relations with the Bosniak people, but also with other countries in the region, said the country’s president, Jakov Milatović, and said that he will work to improve the position of minority peoples.
Milatović, at the panel discussion “Bosniak national identity at the beginning of the 21st century”, said that the Bosniak people in Montenegro are an important part of the multi-ethic mosaic and that they have an important role in promoting tolerance and common life.
“Bosniaks enriched our society with tradition, values, and spirituality, and made our relationship unique. Their contribution to our society is also very important when it comes to culture, education, social work,” said Milatović, Portal RTCG reports.
He said that the Montenegrin government will continue to solve the problems of minority peoples, with the aim of improving their position in society.
Milatović said that regional cooperation is also a condition for a safer Western Balkans.
“I think that in the world we have none closer than the countries of the region, and that is why my policy is based on good-neighborly relations with the countries of the region, which is often not easy,” said Milatović.
Historian Admir Lisica pointed out that it is important for Bosniaks to have Montenegro as a friend.
“It is important for us to have Montenegro as a friend, as well as for Bosniaks to have all the rights guaranteed by the Constitution. We want Bosniaks in power, be it local or state level. Of course, you cannot decide on that, there is a wider spectrum of people who decide on that,” stressed Lisica.
The Deputy Prime Minister of Kosovo, Emilija Redzepi, said that the countries of the region should be more connected.
“Kosovo, as a very young country in transition, wants a good relationship with you and your government, with all peoples living in Montenegro. All of us who live in the region, no matter what nation we are, should be more connected through cultural and educational activities”, said Redzepi. (end)