During today’s session, the Defense and Security Council unanimously appointed Miodrag Vuksanović as the new Chief of the General Staff of the Army of Montenegro.

He will take over from Zoran Lazarević, who has been relieved of his duties today.

Battleship Captain Darko Vuković is set to lead the Navy.

President Jakov Milatović stated that Lazarević met the legal criteria for retirement, leading to his dismissal.

Vuksanović has been elevated to the rank of brigadier general and appointed the new Chief of the General Staff, as announced by Milatović at a subsequent press conference.

He expressed gratitude to Lazarević for his service to the Armed Forces of Montenegro and extended congratulations to Vuksanović.

Officer Darko Vuković has also been promoted to commodore, a general’s rank within the Navy.

“This decision sends a significant message about the commitment towards the enhancement and development of the Army of Montenegro,” Milatović added.

During the Council meeting, which included Finance Minister Novica Vuković and Foreign Minister Ervin Ibrahimović, they addressed preparations for the upcoming NATO summit.

Milatović noted that crucial decisions regarding the Alliance, including potential increases in defense spending, will be made at the summit. He mentioned that the Council discussed and came to a somewhat mutual agreement on Montenegro’s stance regarding additional defense funding to be presented at the NATO summit in The Hague.

“The session was notably productive, leading to significant decisions concerning the advancement and modernization of the Montenegrin Army.”

He described the atmosphere during the Council as constructive, emphasizing that consensus was reached.

“I believe this is vital. As the minister highlighted, we are navigating through predictable geopolitical circumstances. This session demonstrated our seriousness, responsibility, and collective state unity. Montenegro is paramount for all of us,” Milatović stated.

Defense Minister Dragan Krapović congratulated Vuksanović on his appointment, deeming it a substantial decision.

“Through today’s session and the decisions made, we showcased responsibility amidst demanding geopolitical circumstances and displayed state unity ahead of the NATO summit, which is less than twenty days away,” Krapović remarked.

Vuksanović serves as Montenegro’s National Representative at NATO Headquarters in Mons at the Allied Command Operations (ACO). He is a graduate of the Military Academy in Belgrade, the Command and Staff School in the United States (2011), and the National Defense School in the United States (2016). He has previously held roles such as Commander of the Army Training Center in Danilovgrad and Head of the Intelligence and Reconnaissance Department (J-2) in the General Staff.

Vuković enrolled in the Naval Military Academy of the former Yugoslav Navy in Split in 1988, graduating in 1992 in Bijela after the academy’s relocation. From 1992 to 2007, he held various positions, including command of several warships. He served as Commander of the Navy from 2012 to 2017, also undertaking various staff roles within the General Staff, Ministry of Defense, and military diplomacy.

Defense Minister Dragan Krapović initiated Lazarević’s dismissal and proposed Vuksanović as his successor.

The conflict arose in late August last year when Krapović submitted a request to the Supreme Command to remove Lazarević, citing a need for generational change among the officer cadre. The Council rejected this as there wasn’t a consensus among its members. The three-member Council requires unanimous decisions; Krapović’s proposal faced opposition from President Jakov Milatović, who requested clarity on any grievances against Lazarević. The other two Council members supported Krapović’s request.

Subsequently, the Minister of Defense nullified the decision that extended Lazarević’s term until June of this year in 2023, citing that he met the criteria for termination of service due to having over 40 years of insurance and being 55 years old. However, this decision was overturned by the Government Appeals Commission.

At the same time Lazarević’s initial dismissal was proposed, Krapović presented the nomination for Vuksanović, but the Supreme Command did not take it under consideration.

Though not entitled to propose candidates for Chief of the General Staff, Milatović expressed a preference for battleship captain Darko Vuković to head the Army back in mid-May.

Public Relations Office of the President of Montenegro: Emphasis on NATO Summit Preparations

The Public Relations Office of the President of Montenegro released a statement concerning today’s Defense and Security Council session.

“Today, the Defense and Security Council conducted its 39th session at Villa ‘Gorica’ in Podgorica, presided over by President Jakov Milatović. The session was attended by Council members, including the President of the Parliament of Montenegro, Andrija Mandić, Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Foreign Minister Ervin Ibrahimović, Finance Minister Novica Vuković, Defense Minister Dragan Krapović, Chief of the General Staff Zoran Lazarević, and advisors to the President and Prime Minister,” the statement notes.

The Public Relations Office added that the Council unanimously agreed to dismiss Brigadier General Zoran Lazarević due to termination of service.

“The members unanimously accepted the Defense Minister’s proposal to promote Colonel Miodrag Vuksanović to Brigadier General and appoint him as Chief of the General Staff of the Army of Montenegro. Captain Darko Vuković was also promoted to commodore and will take on the role of the new commander of the Navy of the Army of Montenegro,” the statement continues.

Special emphasis was placed on Montenegro’s preparations for participation in the NATO Summit in The Hague.

“The Council members were briefed on the budget allocation plan for defense. The session approved the annual report on the engagement of the Army of Montenegro’s units in international forces, peacekeeping missions, and other activities abroad for 2024. The Council also reviewed proposals from the Ministry of Defense regarding officer appointments and dismissals among other matters within its jurisdiction,” the statement from the Public Relations Office concludes.

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