President of Montenegro Filip Vujanović made a guest appearance in TV show Bare Truth, and he said that our country belongs in NATO naturally. The decision will be made in the Parliament, and stories of referendum or military neutrality are nonsense. Relations will Russia will change once Montenegro becomes a member of NATO, and Metropolitan of SPC Amfilohije will become more politically involved as NATO decision approaches.
“By joining NATO, Montenegro will position itself on the wolrd map, and this will change our economic, political and security path. Montenegro naturally belongs in the space of the Mediterranean”, he said.
Vujanović said that the vote in our Parliament should happen immediately after the last member state ratifies the Protocol.
”I believe we need to do that as soon as possible. Prime Minister stated that he will ask for the session immediately after the last ratification’‘, Vujanović said.
That means that the idea of a referendum has been abandoned.
”Montenegro has become a point of disagreement between NATO and Russia. This referendum could not be held without some risk. We do not need that. It would only increase political differences and tensions”, the President said.
Russia has no influence on the matter anymore
It is hard to predict the opposition reaction to the Parliament vote.
”I believe that the dissatisfaction will be expressed in some way. But once the Parliament votes on it, it will be a done deal. Protests are possible, but they also happen in the states that are already members”, Vujanović said.
He does not believe that the protests could endanger the state.
”I cannot see the way Russia could influence the matter of referendum. This decision is up to Montenegro. Our Parliament will not reach the decision of referendum”, he said.
Vujanović added that he does not take Russian ambition literally.
”I think that our relations with Russia will change once we join NATO. We will continue to develop our relationship based on our traditional ties, as Putin said himself. I think we will sign some overdue agreements. There is no need to wait, because we will soon become a full-fledged member”, Vujanović said.
He believes that Montenegro is just a collateral in Russia and NATO disputes.
He also believes that neutrality is nonsense.
Russia had a clear goal in October
No one can deny what Russia wanted to see happen in October elections Vujanović.
”Russia had favorites in these elections, and it was not the ruling coalition. Whoever is objective can see who Russia supported. Their support was visible. However, Russian Prime Minister was among the first ones to congratulate the new leadership”, Vujanović said.
Russia will not endanger Montenegro’s stability.
”Russia is aware that Montenegro is proud of its traditional friendship with Russia. They know we are not joining NATO because we are against Russia”, Vujanović said.
Amfilohije will become more politically involved
”I expect him to become more involved as NATO decision approaches. He spoke at DF gatherings and he was clear about his alliances. I do not expect that he will change his attitude towards NATO, but I think he will accept the decision, same as he accepted the decision on Montenegro’s independence”, Vujanović said.
He will suggest that Milo Đukanović becomes a presidential candidate
Vujanović reminded that he does not have the possibility to be a presidential candidate again, so he will advise Milo Đukanović to take over this responsibility.
”I believe we live in a time when he must reconsider his candidacy. I am in favor of such a development, and I will advise him to accept this responsibility – to continue where I stopped”, Vujanović said.
