Stojanovic: The attitude toward Kosovo in Montenegro an open issue since 2008

Euronews journalist from Podgorica Marko Stojanovic stated, regarding the 20th anniversary of Montenegro’s independence, that the country is trying to maintain good relations with the region, and that the attitude toward Pristina has been an open issue since 2008, when the then-regime recognized Kosovo’s independence.

Speaking to Kosovo Online, Stojanovic explained that since restoring its statehood, Montenegro has been trying to maintain good relations with its neighbors.

“That has been the priority of all governments, although it could be commented on in different ways how those good neighborly relations were maintained. The relationship with Serbia is on shaky ground. There have been tensions with Croatia in recent years over Prevlaka and over the training ship Jadran, but more or less with everyone else, it seems there are no open issues,” Stojanovic said.

When it comes to Kosovo, as Stojanovic says, it has been an open issue for the past 18 years, that is, since 2008 when Montenegro recognized Kosovo’s independence.

“A significant number of Montenegro’s citizens were against that decision, and to this day it continues to provoke divided opinions. Especially if we take into account that in 2008, when the decision was made, more than 85 percent of Montenegro’s population was actually against it. It is an issue that divides the public and even the ruling coalition, considering that Montenegro’s ruling coalition is fairly heterogeneous and includes representatives of the Serbian community and the Albanian national minority, as well as Bosniaks. Of course, alongside representatives of the Montenegrin nation,” Stojanovic said.

In his opinion, the act of adopting the decision on withdrawing recognition of Kosovo that took place in the Municipality of Zeta carries more symbolic significance.

“That resolution is not legally binding, it has no consequences. It is not of essential importance for the Serbian population in Montenegro, but the act itself could represent ‘light at the end of the tunnel’, namely the fact that at least on the internal level, one municipality decided not to recognize Kosovo’s independence. Believe me, a good portion of the Montenegrin public did not look favorably on that move. It was condemned by the Albanian parties that are part of the coalition at the state level. However, all of them are aware that the decision produces no legal effect. On the other hand, representatives of the Serbian parties in power in Zeta welcomed the decision. It was approved by the Serbian population in Montenegro, but I repeat, it has no legal consequences. It concerns nothing beyond the Municipality of Zeta, which is one of the smaller municipalities in Montenegro and also the youngest since its formation. Still, it may be a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel and make it possible for us to at least ask whether identity issues concerning the Serbian national community in Montenegro will ever come onto the agenda,” Stojanovic concluded.