The proposed amendments by independent MP Jevrosima Pejović concerning the Bill on Ratifying the Agreement for Cooperation in Tourism and Real Estate Development between Montenegro and the United Arab Emirates did not gain support during the Committee on International Relations and Emigrants’ session.

The sole supporter of the amendments was Bosniak Party MP Admir Adrović.

Pejović cautioned before the vote that the agreement with the United Arab Emirates could threaten Montenegro’s strategic direction and provoke adverse reactions from our allies in the European Union and NATO.

Public Works Minister Majda Ažović affirmed that the bilateral agreements do not allow for reservations, stating that the amendments were not articulated as reservations or interpretative statements, leading the Government to reject them for formal and legal reasons. She reiterated that the agreements have been signed and do not provide a mechanism for reservations, in accordance with the Vienna Convention.

Ažović noted that the agreement itself prohibits reservations or interpretative forms, emphasizing its status as a bilateral agreement.

Pejović articulated that the current global climate is perilous and urged scrutiny regarding the direction of our values.

“This agreement could endanger our strategic interests. If it doesn’t jeopardize the Port of Bar, I expected clarity from government officials. It opens the door for entities that do not align with our values to potentially manipulate the situation. As a NATO member, if the Port of Bar is threatened, our partners will not be pleased. Our allies in the EU and NATO can only respond after a decision is made,” she cautioned.

Pejović began her address by noting that ministers had 33 minutes for statements, mentioning that the agreements were misidentified and had confusing titles that could lead to misinterpretation.

She indicated that early discussions omitted assurances regarding the safety of construction in Ulcinj.

Nimanbegu remarked that the day commenced with a peaceful protest outside the Parliament of Montenegro, emphasizing the demonstrators’ strong message.

“Individuals who advocate for justice and fairness were present, while the minister initiated discussions by stating there would be no investment in Ulcinj against the citizens’ wishes. We find this hard to believe, hence the necessity for amendments. I urge the withdrawal of the real estate development agreement given Montenegro’s property surplus,” he stated.

He asserted that the ruling majority’s MPs should not be held captive by party leadership, adding that if they removed the clause concerning “the sea coast,” they would achieve unanimous support.

“Did anyone mention Jaz? What about Luštica, Buljarica? How many more coastal areas are at risk?” she questioned.

“The average Montenegrin cannot visit Porto Montenegro for less than a coffee. If they manage to save up, they might afford a soda. And what about the presence of academics? There are only criminals there. MPs seem to have the resources. Do you happen to own waterfront property in Belgrade? The Prime Minister does,” asserted Ćalović Marković.

“Did citizens elect you to restore their living standards or simply to serve an Arab investor with existing ties to the prime minister?” she concluded.

Abazović stated that his stance is that amendments to an already signed agreement cannot be made.

He criticized the real estate agreement as fabricated, mentioning that no other nation operates under such terms.

“Talk of the northern region is irrelevant; that individual hasn’t explored it, remaining only in the south,” Abazović highlighted.

He added that the hotels on Velika Plaza were constructed during communism, with many having been sold off.

“We should define what is developed rather than allow investors to dictate terms,” he urged.

“Voting on this kind of agreement is a scandal,” he asserted.

“If this represents the largest investment in Montenegro’s history, where are the other ministries? You became a minister yesterday, and your first initiative is a 35 billion project?” questioned the GP URA leader and MP.

He implored the Bosniak Party to avoid being a minority that supports the agreement, noting their member is the municipal manager, who faced protests in Ulcinj.

Popović Samardžić remarked that the Government does not choose its own resources, resulting in lost personnel for Montenegro.

“The loss of personnel equates to a loss of 70 million euros annually,” she claimed.

She highlighted Montenegro’s dismal statistics concerning cancer patients.

Stjepović explained that his abstention during the Legislative Committee vote stemmed from the infeasibility of constructing such a center and noted his personal connection to cancer in his family.

At the outset of his address, Miloš Vuković expressed gratitude to Adžović for efforts to preserve the Simo Milošević Institute and to former Minister of Energy Saša Mujović for halting the Brskovo mine.

He requested deputies to ask questions instead of merely providing answers.

He cautioned that a vote in favor would equate to endorsing investor-driven urban development.

Vuković pointed out that the existing agreement remains valid while the new one introduces mixed-use spaces.

Nataša Kovačević stated that various efforts are underway to enlighten the public, proposing amendments to “instill some hope.”

“I was involved during the campaigns for Tara, Morača, small hydroelectric power plants, and partly for Sinjajevina. None of these yielded positive results; only time and resources were squandered,” she reflected.

She urged that if there isn’t time for amendments, the matter should be postponed, claiming the current agreement with the UAE is superior to the proposed one.

Elida Adrović suggested that “it’s not a 99-year deal but an eternal commitment, as damaging a space offers no chance of recovery.”

“We have a waste management crisis. Where does all the waste end up?” she queried.

“We’ve received numerous promises and green party initiatives, yet here we are, facing grim realities,” she lamented.

Adžić pointed out that Alabar isn’t likely to prioritize Montenegro’s interests over his own and warned that any unrecorded promises could lead to negative outcomes.

He urged members of the ruling majority to reflect on images from past protests.

Pejović expressed trust in the expertise of PES MP Vasilije Čarapić but questioned why different rules seem to apply to his amendments in contrast to hers.

The amendments were ultimately not adopted, with the only supporter being Bosniak Party MP Admir Adrović.

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