Nađa Laković, a member of the ruling Europe Now Movement (PES), asserts that she has no interest in the ambassador position in Turkey, nor is she actively seeking it.

Her remarks came in response to inquiries from “Vijesti,” after the publication received information from two sources claiming she was lobbying both domestically and internationally for the ambassadorial role in Ankara.

The ambassadorial position in Turkey has been unoccupied since mid-September of last year, following the recall of the former ambassador, Periša Kastratović.

One source suggested that Laković’s recent visit (February 3-6) to Ankara and Kajzeri served as a part of a lobbying effort, noting her familial connections to Turkey and her proficiency in Turkish. Another source alleged that Laković used this opportunity to reach out to various contacts, including diplomatic channels.

During her visit, she met with several dignitaries, including Serkan Kayalar, the Director of the Agency for International Cooperation and Coordination (TIKA), Abdullah Eren, the President of the Directorate for Turks Abroad and Related Communities, and she paid respects at the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey.

In her comments to “Vijesti,” Laković expressed surprise at the claims regarding her interest in the ambassador position, clarifying that “no one has talked” to her about it until now.

“And I believe that someone above me is responsible for that,” Laković stated, adding, “There is a chance someone else is interested in my being ambassador to Turkey because my mother is Turkish.”

She insists she has not considered the role but would discuss it if proposed by the head of state or government. She believes the position should be filled by “someone with more experience,” despite being a doctoral student in International Relations.

A source close to President Jakov Milatović confirmed that no discussions have occurred about MP Laković as a candidate for ambassador to Turkey.

If Laković were to be appointed ambassador, a woman would need to fill her position as MP. The first candidates on the list are Jelena Milanković and Jelena Raković. If all other women from the PES list in the 2023 parliamentary elections declined, former Minister of Justice Andrej Milović could be elected to the parliamentary seat.

Laković’s biography on the parliament’s website states she was born in 1981 in Pljevlja, completed her primary and secondary education in Petrovac (Budva municipality), and studied at the Faculty of Political Sciences in Belgrade. It highlights her commitment to humanitarian work and notes her recognition in the tourism sector.

We might as well take a tractor through Istanbul.

In mid-December of last year, during a session of the Parliamentary Committee on International Relations and Emigrants, Laković criticized the poor condition of vehicles used by Montenegro’s diplomatic and consular missions, including that of the Istanbul department.

“The last time I was in Istanbul was with my colleague Gordan (Stojović). Honestly, I believe it would have been better to travel through Istanbul on a tractor than in a vehicle owned by our consular office…” she remarked.

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