EPA / Boris Pejović

Dritan Abazović, the former Prime Minister of Montenegro, advocates for consensus among nations, emphasizing that all other resources have been exhausted. He believes Serbia should acknowledge differing perspectives on Kosovo’s application for Council of Europe membership, concluding this process in favor of a more positive European future.

Abazović points out that there are subversive elements throughout Serbia, as well as in Montenegro, Albania, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, that aim to keep the Western Balkans trapped in the mindset of the 1990s.

“I don’t view them as political allies; while I may have pleasant conversations with them on a personal level, we believe a higher-level agreement is necessary in the region,” Abazović stated on RTS.

He asserts that reaching an agreement is the sole path to advancement, noting that his political stance is recognized across the region.

– Perhaps this is a glimmer of hope, a small opportunity for someone to utilize for the greater good. However, I firmly believe that our message and our vision for authentic politics are now resonating in the region. We have explored many approaches in the past, but we have not yet genuinely sought an agreement. We have tried warfare, hostilities, conflict, cold relations, and even hostile exchanges. It is time we finally consider a structured negotiation and give it a chance for at least one period, as everything else we have attempted thus far has not yielded significant results,” Abazović emphasized.

When discussing Pristina’s pursuit of admission to the Council of Europe, Abazović remarked, “Voting against Kosovo’s membership under my leadership would be unthinkable.” He clarified that his message to the citizens of Serbia is one of optimism for the future.

– Some matters cannot be altered at this moment – Abazović noted.

He also pointed out that all three Montenegrin representatives in the Council of Europe voted against Kosovo’s admission, emphasizing that this would not bring about change.

– We are now revisiting discussions about the Council of Europe and other resolutions. Unless we establish clarity on certain issues, we will continue to cycle through these conversations for five or ten more years. My intention is not to show disrespect, but rather to provide a friendly and respectful recommendation—let’s resolve these issues and move forward,” Abazović asserted.

When questioned about potential reactions from Belgrade, he stated that he has not received any feedback.

“I express my views because I prioritize political consistency. I believe, just like in any profession, politics should be conducted with honor, integrity, and transparency. Montenegro’s position has consistently aligned with this, particularly regarding significant foreign policy matters, including our stance on Kosovo, which Montenegro has recognized. I fail to see the necessity for persistent tension in this context,” Abazović added.

He concluded by stating that Serbia and Montenegro must identify and promote their commonalities while respecting one another’s diverging views.

– When you are aware that you have a genuine partnership, and even if opinions sometimes differ, it fosters loyalty and mutual respect. If there is ever doubt about someone’s actions behind your back or uncertainty in their decisions, it’s impossible to forge a stable relationship,” Abazović articulated.