Djakovic: Agreement with Kosovo on war archives signed without Montenegrin public’s knowledge

The agreement on cooperation and the exchange of archival material between the Kosovo Institute for War Crimes and Montenegro, signed in early July in Podgorica, has gone almost unnoticed by the Montenegrin public, commentator and publicist from Montenegro, Perica Djakovic, says.

According to information released by the Institute, the agreement was signed with Montenegro’s Ministry for Human and Minority Rights.

Djakovic explains that the agreement was officially signed by Adem Hetemi, on behalf of the Kosovo Institute, and Minister Fatmir Djeka on behalf of Montenegro, with support from two other government members – Minister for Public Administration Maras Dukaj and State Secretary Astrid Hoxha.

However, he adds, what raises concern is the complete lack of transparency surrounding the agreement.

“I tried to get in touch with media colleagues, as well as people from political circles, and everyone was surprised. No one knew this was happening. No one knows anything about the agreement, let alone what kind of archival material is involved. It’s as if it is something secretive,” he says.

Djakovic explains that during the events in Kosovo, Montenegro opened its borders, allowing people from Kosovo to enter, both Kosovo Albanians and Serbs living there. In that context, he draws attention to rumors that pressure was exerted last year on some individuals from Kosovo who live in Montenegro, particularly those who refuse to sell their property in Kosovo.

“A year ago, people from Kosovo were warned to be cautious about their movements, as there was a risk that the authorities in Pristina, specifically Mr. Albin Kurti, might declare certain individuals war criminals, with the real reason being their refusal to sell their property, their ancestral land in Kosovo and Metohija. Whether that is happening again now, I can’t say for certain,” he notes, adding that while these are rumors, they have caused fear among the people.

He expresses hope that someone in the Montenegrin Parliament will raise the issue of this agreement, about which no one from the top levels of Montenegrin government has commented so far, nor has it been reported by the media.

“If this is an official agreement, the public broadcaster should have reported on it. The statement mentions Television of Montenegro, which offered archival material to the Institute's collection, but it also mentions Teuta TV, a local media outlet from the Ulcinj area. I hope someone will raise this issue in the Montenegrin Parliament. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has remained silent, as has Prime Minister Milojko Spajic, who should be aware of what this is about. I hope time will reveal what is really behind all of this, where it is going, and what is happening here,” the Montenegrin publicist concludes.