Today, Parliament Speaker Andrija Mandić expressed that he does not disagree with the views of Metropolitan Joanikije of Montenegro and Metodije of Budimlje and Nikšić about their remarks on Chetnik leaders Pavle Đurišić and Dragoljub Draža Mihailović.

During a press briefing alongside Marjan Šarec, the European Parliament’s special rapporteur for Montenegro, Mandić told “Vijesti” that he believes in honoring one’s ancestors.

“Montenegro is a nation of freedom where individuals can hold their own opinions about the past as they see fit. I prefer not to contradict either Metropolitan Joanikije or Metropolitan Methodius. My stance is that we should all respect our forebears and cherish their memories,” he remarked.

He noted that “both of them are no longer alive, and those who stood on the Zidan Bridge, along with those who perished there, have long since been killed.” Thus, he believes the focus should be on “the future and reconciliation.”

Mandić stated that he supports a reconciliation agenda in Montenegro, emphasizing that it is “the most important” aspect for him.

“As I approach my 60s, I would like to be recognized as a promoter of dialogue and reconciliation. While I hold my own views, they are already known,” Mandić declared.

In response to a query from a “Vijesti” reporter about whether he supported the sentiments of Joanikije and Metodije, Mandić reaffirmed that he “will not oppose.”

On May 3, Metropolitan Joanikije of Montenegro and the Littoral conducted a liturgy at the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord in Lijevče Polje, located in Republika Srpska (RS), during which he stated that Chetnik duke Pavle Đurišić’s bravery in battle “can be likened to the heroism of Pavle Orlović,” noting that he “faced a temporary defeat” against combined enemy forces.

On June 7, Archbishop and Metropolitan of Budimlje-Niksic Metodije remarked, after serving a liturgy at the Podmalinsko Monastery near Šavnik, that ever since WWII, the Tito-Ustasha coalition has perpetuated genocide against the Serbian people. He claimed that Chetnik leaders Dragoljub Mihailović and Pavle Đurišić were “the first guerrillas to resist fascism in Europe,” only for their truth to be obscured by falsehoods.

Šarec: The Kamniška Bistrica Monument was Erected Out of Respect

When asked by “Vijesti” about his perspective on Mandić’s visit to the Kamniška Bistrica monument, and whether it was intended to rehabilitate the Chetnik movement or simply to honor the victims, Šarec did not provide a direct answer.

“As the former mayor, I oversaw the monument’s creation solely out of reverence. When it was established, it was intended without any political or revisionist motives. I emphasized at the time that, despite their historical stance, we are paying respect today,” Šarec explained.

When questioned if it aligned with European values for certain governmental figures to idolize movements that collaborated with fascists and whether the EU would accept this, Šarec replied that his background in the national liberation movement and his country’s prohibition of Nazi symbols clearly indicated where he stands concerning history.

“I believe that Montenegro should continue its European trajectory, as it has thus far, in all aspects. I’m not apprehensive about that future. The past is often contentious in the Balkans, and discussions about it can lead to tensions. Our current conference indicates that Montenegro and the MEPs firmly support the country’s path toward the European Union,” he added.

He concluded by stating that “delving into history” could be painful for everyone involved.

“So, it may be better to concentrate less on history and more on what lies ahead,” Šarec advised.

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