The leader and MP of the Democratic People’s Party (DNP) announced that his party will withhold its vote on the proposed reconstruction until they receive clarification from Prime Minister Milojko Spajić regarding when discussions about the Serbian language and dual citizenship will commence, as well as when the Bosniak Party (BS) plans to exit the coalition in Bijelo Polje.

This statement was made during today’s Assembly session.

He noted that his party’s parliamentary group did not achieve a quorum for the vote on the Energy Law, citing their decision to support the initiative for the formation of an Inquiry Committee, which the BS opposed.

“Our future stance on initiatives will be influenced by our colleagues’ initiatives from the parliamentary majority. For some, this may not seem relevant for the future or for opening dialogue and resolving issues, but it is crucial for us to identify who orchestrated actions during the Milo Đukanović administration. While some might argue that certain criminal acts were justifiable, we maintain that Pavle Bulatović is a hero, not a criminal. Bulatović served as the Minister of Army and Defense, opposing the aggression against Serbia and Montenegro (SCG) that lasted 78 days. If Bulatović is labeled a criminal, then we must hold Milo Đukanović, who was the Prime Minister at that time, accountable for all crimes in Montenegro,” Knežević stated.

He emphasized that his coalition will not “canonize Đukanović.”

“I want to be clear on behalf of the DNP, as I have told Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, that we will not support the proposed reconstruction until we have clarity on when the dialogue on the Serbian language and dual citizenship will begin, as well as confirmation of when our colleagues from BS will exit the coalition with DPS in Bijelo Polje, as stipulated in the coalition agreement. This is our definitive stance, and it will not shift. I would have no issue being replaced tomorrow. I notice that Herr (German Ambassador to Montenegro Peter) Felten is quite active and advocating for a reconstruction concerning the parliamentary majority, but I find Herr Felten’s approach somewhat inappropriate,” the DNP leader asserted.

BS MP Jasmin Ćorović countered Knežević by stating that the law is vested in the government, supported by others.

“Naturally, we maintain our positions on all matters and resist anyone trying to impose a singular approach or dictate actions regarding the uranium mine, despite our participation in this government. Given our government’s diversity, greater sensitivity is warranted. My colleague Smailović outlined yesterday why we chose not to support the formation of the Inquiry Committee. Regarding Bijelo Polje, what you labeled as the manipulation of electoral intent in Budva is precisely what you now request us to do in Bijelo Polje. We haven’t entered into any coalition agreement specific to Bijelo Polje. The government there operates efficiently,” he pointed out.

Knežević remarked that he was uncertain of what specific response to offer his BS colleague if they remained indifferent about the murders “that occurred during the era of Milo Đukanović, with whom he maintained a coalition for over 15 years.”

“If you assert that it is permissible to deem certain murders as justifiable and label people as war criminals, then we reserve the right to evaluate comments made by ministers from the BS. The issue isn’t that the government is heterogeneous, but rather that you continuously communicate to Milo Đukanović and the DPS that your inclinations align with them, suggesting that as soon as circumstances permit, you’ll revert to the DPS’s fold, a notion demonstrated by your breach of the agreement signed with Milojko Spajić – concerning your departure from the coalition with DPS in Bijelo Polje following the budget vote,” he stated.

Knežević reiterated his refusal to support a reconstruction that “rewards BS with the energy ministry due to its coalition with DPS.”

“We continue to await fundamental rights for the linguistic majority to communicate in the Serbian language and for us to obtain the right to a blue card, so we are not the only ones without rights in Europe. Imagine if all your rights depended on this heterogeneity, with Assembly voting merely conforming to your expectations; we would indeed find ourselves in a precarious situation. However, this is not the case, and ultimately, the citizens will make their choices,” he remarked.

Ćorović asserted their support for investigating all murders, expressing concern that the Inquiry Committee might be exploited to elevate Pavle Bulatović’s status.

Knežević responded that the issue lies not with Bulatović but with redirecting the Inquiry Committee’s work to uncovering crimes connected with Milo Đukanović “who presided over the deportation of Bosniaks during his administration.”

“You have yet to label him a criminal. Step forward and acknowledge him as such. Throughout the 90s and into the 2000s, Milo Đukanović orchestrated numerous criminal activities in Montenegro, fully aware of them. The Inquiry Committee should bring this to light, and when the evidence leads us to him, it will also highlight your decade-long coalition with him,” he implored, urging BS and Albanian parties to initiate an investigation into Eagle’s Flight and the Bosniak deportations.

Deputy Speaker of the Parliament and BS MP Mirsad Nurković reminded that a few months prior, his party sought a discussion on the Resolution regarding the Šahovićs but lacked support to place it on the agenda, though they refrained from reacting due to coalition dynamics.

“Today we face accusations of not standing with those dedicated to pursuing investigations. We do stand with them, as some of the most significant victims in this region are Bosniaks. It is also in our profound interest for every crime to be thoroughly examined. Our concern lies not in where the investigation leads, but rather that it be conducted. Regarding Pavle Bulatović, my colleague accurately conveyed the Bosniak Party’s stance,” he mentioned, adding that an inquiry already pursued in Belgrade concerning Bulatović’s murder was led by Vojislav Šešelj.

Nurković indicated that no one has invited BS to partake in the Inquiry Committee.

Knežević replied, noting that BS did not endorse the inquiries into “Jasenovac, Pivska Dola, Velika,” emphasizing that the murder of Bulatović indeed demands an investigation, especially given that “he was killed by Montenegrins.”

New Serbian Democracy (NSD) MP Vaso Obradović expressed that the individuals in Bijelo Polje “are extending a hand” and intend to continue doing so, believing in a collaborative approach focused on benefiting the people of Bijelo Polje.

“We will persist in reaching out, as we believe Bijelo Polje requires change,” he remarked, clarifying to BS that they do not share a joint electoral list with DPS.

He and DNP MP Jelena Knežević, also from Bijelo Polje, voted against the Energy Law.

News