Interview about process of European integration, visa-free travel, building democratic society, human rights, future of the Balkans…

Mrs Lunacek, you recently visited Montenegro. What are your first impressions and did you like the country?

My first impression was the beautiful and impressive nature of Montenegro, with mountains, as well as a coast line and historical treasures!

Majority of citizens, especially youth, are looking forward for the start of the visa-free travelling regime. Do you think this could have a big impact on Montenegro and entire region?

(As the recent Balkan Monitor Study has shown) Visa-free travel is the main incentive for the people in the region to join the EU. It is a very important reward for all the difficulties the EU integration process has and still is implying. Especially for the young generation it is important to have the possibility to travel, work or study abroad and to have an exchange with people from other parts of Europe.  It will be a big and important change for citizens in the region and for the EU a main opportunity to promote its ideals and values. So yes, visa-free travelling will have strong impact on the individual as well as societal level in the region as well as in the EU. But we have to make sure, that with the start of the visa-free travelling for Montenegro, Macedonia and Serbia no new borders and walls created and that in a medium-term perspective all citizens from the region will be able to travel freely to the EU.

You are European Parliament’s new rapporteur on Kosovo, so you are probably familiar with the difficulties that region faces in establishing stable democratic institutions and other European values such as freedom of speech, free elections, protection of minority groups… How much time will be needed until the region achieves certain European standards in that matter?

The establishment of democratic standards is a difficult and long-term process. There are issues in every country in the region which need to be tackled more thoroughly and accurately by the political elites. Gender equality, the protection of ethnic and sexual minority groups and the fight against corruption are main areas where a lot remains to be done, also in Montenegro. Although main rights are protected legally, their implementation needs to be secured. With the help of civil society and the EU pressuring and working proactively in this direction I am sure the region is on a good track. But insurance of these standards is a never-ending process which also has to be continued after accession to the EU - how the experience in member states shows. 

Montenegro has democracy in last twenty years, but it is still the only country in the region, that never experienced shift of power between ruling party and the opposition. Current regime changed their rhetoric, but many analysts find it difficult to believe that the same ruling elite that was once supporter of Milosevic’s war politics will now bring Montenegro into the E.U. What is your opinion about this issue?   

In my opinion, EU integration is a process which should not only include ruling elites, but needs to be a process in which various actors of society participate. A well functioning democracy includes change in ruling party through elections, an active civil society and free media. It is therefore the task to strengthen the voice of civic actors and free media, and promote their role in strengthening democracy in Montenegro on its way to EU integration.

Opposition recently decided to start boycotting elections, claiming that „ruling party cannot be beaten on the elections because they use all institutions of the state, complete public finances and all Government programs, in order to make their victory smooth”. Similar case already happened in 2005, when Liberal Alliance of Montenegro (first opposition party in the country), has „frozen“ its political activities, explaining that Montenegro lacks basic democratic principles which would ensure normal and independent functioning of an opposition party.  What do you think about this situation? Should E.U. do more to put pressure in order to ensure truly fair and free elections?

In order to ensure the conditions and the environment for real free and fair elections, additional efforts are needed in the field of corruption as well as organised crime in Montenegro. The election process itself has met almost all international and European commitments. Yet, in order to make it “truly fair and free” remaining shortcomings need to be addressed as the EC Progress Report highlighted. The electoral framework has to be harmonised with the Constitution and more remains to be done regarding the separation between State and party structures in the electoral administration and ensuring transparent allocation of parliament seats. The EU should and will further push for the implementation of these pre-requisites in ensuring legitimacy of democratic processes.

You are prominent supporter of civil liberties. You also participated at the conference „Justice in the Balkans: Equality for sexual minorities“, that was held recently in Montenegro. This is a very controversial issue in traditional and conservative Montenegrin society. Government officials often don’t want to talk about it, and Montenegrin Minister of Human and Minority Rights Ferhat Dinosa said a few days ago that „he wouldn’t be very happy if gay population exists in Montenegro, and that it would not be good news for Montenegro“. Could you please tell us, will those issues have to be more seriously addressed in the integration process towards EU and what changes do you expect?

As highlighted in the European Commission Progress Report 2009 on Montenegro, there is an important need for Montenegro to adopt the anti-discrimination law. This would be the first and most important step in the right direction. Apart from that however, the question of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and their discrimination in Montenegro needs to be addressed more accurately. It is “un-European” that a Minister of Human and Minority rights is threatening a minority group whereas it would be his duty to protect and promote anti-discrimination of this minority. The absence of Montenegrin politicians at the conference I have attended is a poor testimony for the willingness to tackle the issue. I appreciate, however, that civil servants of relevant ministries took part. In cooperation with the civil society groups in the country the EU therefore also needs to push stronger in the direction of equal treatment of all societal groups.

How do you see the role of EU and its representatives towards the leadership of new potential member states? Citizens are often confused by the role of EU institutions and the messages that their officials send to local politicians. For instance, every positive statement from the EU officials, about Montenegro’s progress towards EU, is used by the ruling party as a „confirmation“ that EU supports their party. Opposition does the same thing, claiming that „they must be supported by EU, to finally end the last undemocratic regime in Europe“. What is your opinion about importance of EU in those situations?     

EU integration is a multileveled process. Apart from pushing the government to implement reforms regarding the acquis communitaire, the EU is working together also with various other actors from the opposition, civil society, etc. The positive assessment of a legislative reform does not imply direct political support for one specific political party. It is therefore crucial not to confine EU engagement in the region to the executive dialogue, but to promote the inclusion of the wider society. In order to make this possible the EU needs to take a clear stand with regard to democratic standards as well as human and minority rights.

Mrs Lunacek, you are MEP of the Green Party (4th strongest fraction in EP) and party’s spokeswoman on International Affairs. Green parties are known to be progressive and influental in societies with developed political culture. For the end of this interview, what would be your message to Montenegrin citizens, regarding progress and their European future?

EU integration should itself be a process strengthening democracy, rule of law as well as human and civil rights standards. So my message would be to civil society to use the opportunity, be critical as well as voice concerns and interests and contribute to the changes you want to achieve in your country.

Mrs Lunacek, thank you for this interview. We are sure it will be interesting for our readers to read your opinion, and it will contribute to better understanding of the role of European Union in Montenegrin politics and integration process.

The EU Council of Interior and Justice Ministers made a decision on Monday (November 30th 2009) regarding the abolishment of visas for citizens of Montenegro, Macedonia and Serbia. 

The decision on elimination of the Schengen visa barrier will mean a lot to the peoples of Balkans, although visa requirements are still in place for citizens of Albania, Bosnia and Kosovo.

“I strongly welcome this decision, which is an important step in the process of rapprochement with these countries,” French Immigration Minister Eric Besson told reporters, after EU interior ministers had endorsed the move.

He also stated that “removal of visa requirements for Serbia, Montenegro and the former Yugoslav republic of Macedonia will take place on December 19, 2009″. Besson pointed out that he encouraged his EU counterparts “to continue this process with all western Balkans nations, notably Bosnia and Hercegovina and Albania, once the European Commission has completed its road map” for those countries.

Let’s hope that free movements of people will bring a new quality of life to the citizens of the troubled Balkans region. It will surely help in obtaining a new image of Europe, opening new horizonts for many citizens who will, for the first time in their lives, get the opportunity to discover cities and countries that they often call “western developed societies”. Therefore, this step could foster the integration process of the South-Eastern Europe into the European Union.

First in a series of a local elections in Montenegro have been successfully boycotted by all major opposition parties. Turnout in city of Kotor was only 40,75%, of which 11,14% could be considered very problematic. That is because 6,2% votes were not valid, while 4,94% of voters voted by mail. Both facts are showing big irregularity, especially on such a small turnout. Opposition claims that those are people who were litteraly „forced“ and „dragged“ to vote, since ruling regime uses already established measures of threats and pressures. Even in such undemocratic situation, the winner candidate of the ruling regime won only around 29.5% of all registered voters (71% of those who turned out).  

Opposition agreed that boycotting could be the only way to attract the attention of European and other international factors to put pressure on Montenegrin regime to organize a free and fair elections for the first time.

“Ruling regime cannot be beaten on the elections because they use all institutions of the state, complete public finances and all Government programs, in order to make their victory smooth”, said Nebojsa Medojevic, leader of Movement for Changes.

He stated that “the key political problem in Montenegro is legally and constitutionally unsustainable position of Montenegrin Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic, who is officially accused for criminal charges at Italian courts, for distribution of cigarettes and money laundering. (read here his controversial political biography).

Consequence of this is reduce of Government capacities, corruption on highest levels, insufficient police capacities, politically controlled/dependent judicial branch, attacks on media and journalists, etc”.

Originally, the idea of boycott was promoted by the prominent opposition politician Slavko Perovic, on his influental blog. Mr Perovic is leader of Liberal Alliance of Montenegro (first opposition party in the country), which has „frozen“ its political activities in March 2005, explaining that Montenegro lacks basic democratic principles which would ensure normal and independent functioning of an opposition party. Last election of March 2009, proved that opposition indeed doesn’t have even smallest opportunity to make any progress as ruling party won more than absolute majority again (in some towns more than 65%). Independent analysts believe that changes are impossible since ruling party holds the monopoly in all mechanisms of the State, which are remained habits from communist times. (read here the article “Why victory is impossible for the opposition“)

Mr. Djukanovic has been a political leader in Montenegro for nearly 20 years, and passed a long raod since then (already served four terms as Prime Minister and one term as President of Montenegro. Now - 2009, he again became Prime Minister for the fifth time). He started as one of the leaders of the Communist Party, then a coalition partner of Slobodan Milosevic in Serbia, and later switched from pro-Yugoslav option into leading independence movement of Montenegro. (see a video with english subtitles about his role in Balkan wars). Recently, a series of articles appeared in many international and regional newspapers, about „possibly one of Europe’s largest smuggling operations in recent years – a multi-billion dollar operation involving the Italian Mafia and the tiny country of Montenegro.“ (read more…)

Serbian media B92 also reported about new accusations against the Montenegrin Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic, made by Nebojsa Medojevic, one of the leaders of opposition.

Medojevic, who has announced that the opposition in that country, including his Movement for Change, would unite, told B92 that there was evidence that Djukanovic in 2005 called on his immunity in order to avoid a cigarette smuggling and money laundering investigation launched by the Italian Ministry Of Justice.

He also claims that the investigation of the murder of the Croatian publisher and journalist Ivo Pukanic “will lead to Montenegro”.

“The charges brought up in Zagreb read that Pukanic was murdered because he had been writing about the criminal groups and mafias in the region. The most powerful criminal organization in the Balkans today is the one operating in Montenegro. Not because it is powerful by itself, but because the state and state services are behind it, and because it has enormous capital,” Medojevic claims.

“If the cartel is ready to spend EUR 100mn to finance the biggest shopment of cocaine this year in both Europe and the world, than one can only imagine how powerful they are,” he continued.

“Mister Pukanic was one of the witnesses in the trial in Bari and he is not the first witness to be liquidated, nor is he the first journalist to be killed for writing about the Tobacco Mafia. Dusko Jovanovic was also murdered in Montenegro,” stated Medojevic, in reference to the slain editor of Podgorica’s daily Dan. 

(http://www.b92.net/eng/news/region-article.php?yyyy=2009&mm=11&dd=02&nav_id=62762)

To read full report about current political situation in Montenegro, please click here.

http://montenegro.blogactiv.eu/2009/10/16/opposition-moves-towards-boycott-of-undemocratic-elections-in-montenegro/

Fourth inter-parliamentary meeting between delegations from Montenegrin and European Parliament took place in Podgorica this week.

Eduard Kukan, chief of EP Delegation expressed his hope that Montenegro will fulfill the remaining obligations for the visa liberalization, so that citizens of this country could travel freely into Schengen countries, starting from January 1st, 2010.

He also advised Montenegrin colleagues to focus on quality of reforms, instead of the doing things fast.

Members of EP pointed out that “strenghtening of institutions, rule of law and fight against corruption and organized crime must be priority for Montenegro”, and the Parliament should play leading role in this process.

Member of Montenegrin Parliament delegation, Nebojsa Medojevic (who is president of Montenegrin National Council for European Integration) emphasized that corruption and organized crime is political issue, but also judicial and issue of security, since Montenegrin Prime Minister has been under 7 years long investigation for leading tobacco smuggling operations in the 1990’s.“ (read here more about contraversial role of Milo Djukanovic who is leading the country for last 20 years)

Recently, a series of articles and interviews appeared in Croatian and Serbian media, pointing out that possible solutions for large number of unsolved cases of organized crime lays in Montenegro, specifically, close to the Prime Minister. A series of attacks was delivered by Mr Ratko Knezevic, former head of Montenegrin Trade Chamber in United States of America, who explained deep connections of Milo Djukanovic and his friends, with one of the largest tobacco smuggling operations in Europe. (read here more about the investigations)

Members of European Parliament were also interested in issues of woman rights and their participation in the government, as well as rights of sexual minorities. It is expected that anti-discrimination law should be soon adopted in Montenegrin Parliament.

To read more about current political situation in Montenegro, and why opposition parties decided to boycott the upcoming undemocratic local elections, please click here.

A three-day conference “Justice in the Balkans: Equality for sexual minorities” was held in Podgorica. Prominent experts in this field discussed about rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender people in the region of South-Eastern Europe. This is considered one of conditions for the complete democratization in societies and necessary step in the process of integration towards European Union.

Not even one representative from Montenegrin Government participated to the conference, even though the Ministry for Human and Minority Rights was one of the donors of the conference.

Ulrike Lunacek, European Parliament Member, emphasized that absence of Montenegrin officials on the conference is a clear sign of the fear over publicly speaking about LGBT rights in Montenegro. 

Mrs Lunacek (Green MEP) stated that “If Montenegro truly wants to progress, it is clear that politicians have to learn to positively speak about LGBT population”. She also pointed out that she doesn’t see the reason why Montenegrin politicians are afraid of speaking about issues of sexual minorities, since Montenegro has clear will to integrate into EU and therefore follow all European standards.     

Montenegro far behind EU in LGBT rights 

Another interesting article appeared in Balkan Insight.  This research shows clearer image aboout life of LGBT people in Montenegro. http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/main/news/22951/ 

Here are several excerpts from the article:

Ancient taboo

The patriarchal culture of this small country, with a population of only 620,000, has shaped a mentality that makes it difficult for alternative sexual orientations to be accepted. Although Montenegro was one of the first former Yugoslav republics to decriminalise homosexuality, doing so in 1977, most citizens still view homosexuality as a disorder. “Montenegro is well known for its traditional, patriarchal and tribal attitudes that determine people’s positions on numerous social issues and phenomena”, Srdjan Vukadinovic, a sociology professor from the Montenegrin Social Research Center, explains. “That is why societal change is taking place much more slowly than in neighbouring countries.”  

There is little to indicate that a change in people’s attitudes is imminent. Social and political leaders mostly keep quiet on the subject of sexual orientation or express negative views, while the media rarely cover themes related to the gay and lesbian community, which has no leaders to articulate their demands in public.

Tool for blackmail

Because people’s alternative sexual orientations remain closely-guarded secrets, homosexuality is often used for blackmail. “When you have a traditional mentality like that in Montenegro, being targeted as a homosexual is the least desirable thing,” Zekovic says.  

It can be easier to harm someone’s reputation in Montenegro by saying they are gay than by saying they are corrupt or have broken the law, he adds. Zekovic accuses Montenegro’s political elite of routinely using allegations of homosexuality as tools to discredit rivals and opponents. Individuals outside of politics often do the same. Victims from all sectors of society usually omit any public mention of the homophobic aspect of threats they receive, in order to protect their privacy in an intolerant environment.

Read full article by Nela Lazarevic http://fellowship.birn.eu.com/en/main/alumni_articles/22927/

Montenegro’s Gay Community Stays Hidden to Survive

The invisibility of homosexuals and lesbians in public and social spheres is further slowing efforts to overcome homophobia in this conservative society. Recent research has shown that around 50% of population believes that homosexuality is very dangerous for the society, and that State should try to condemn it.  Also, 75% of people think that “Homosexuals should not express their sexual identity in public”.  Interestingly, similar number (71%) believes that GLBT population is not endangered. 

Montenegro still does not have publicly declared homosexual person, neither there are civic organizations, NGO’s or groups who strive to protect and promote gay and lesbian rights.

The idea of boycotting undemocratic political system in Montenegro started spreading widely among citizens and political parties. For those unfamiliar with political situation, it may seem quite amazing to hear this, since most of news about the tiny Balkan state refers to it as a “prosperous country which is fastly progressing towards EU”. (Read here the article “Credibility of Montenegrin regime questioned by many”)

Three major opposition political parties agreed that boycotting elections could be the only way to attract the attention of European and other international factors to put pressure on Montenegrin regime. They already decided to boycott the upcoming local elections (November 2009) in several Montenegrin towns.  

Originally, the idea of boycott was promoted by the prominent opposition politician Slavko Perovic, on his blog. Mr Perovic is leader of Liberal Alliance of Montenegro (first opposition party in the country), which has „frozen“ its political activities in March 2005, explaining that Montenegro lacks basic democratic principles which would ensure normal and independent functioning of an opposition party. Last election of March 2009, proved that opposition indeed doesn’t have even smallest opportunity to make any progress as ruling party won more than absolute majority again (in some towns more than 65%). Independent analysts believe that changes are impossible since ruling party holds the monopoly in all mechanisms of the State, which are remained habits from communist times. (read here the article “Why victory is impossible for the opposition“)

Blog of Slavko Perovic, (former vice president of Liberal International), had more than 330.000 visits over the last 2 years. He appealed to citizens and opposition leaders that the only way out of political agony is to completely end any form of collaboration with the current regime, and to start with hard process of reconciliation and necessary internal changes. Firstly the idea was widely spread among citizens, and soon political leaderships of all major opposition parties accepted it. 

Those are statements from three major opposition parties in Montenegro:

„Movement for Changes (Pokret za promjene) is united in belief that we urgently need to show that ruling autocratic regime is illegitimate, and that present moment brought us to the only appropriate move – active boycotting of all election processes. In this matter, we expect support from other opposition parties and whole democratic public sphere, in order to send clear and strong message to domestic and international community about autocratic character of Montenegrin regime, “imprisoned” institutions, and absence of minimal democratic conditions for free and fair elections”.   

“Ruling regime cannot be beaten on the elections because they use all institutions of the state, complete public finances and all Government programs, in order to make their victory smooth”.

Leader of Movement for Changes, Nebojsa Medojevic also expressed his concern about reports from European Commission and other international organizations, which continuously warn that Montenegro fails in showing any visible results in fighting organized crime and corruption. 

He stated that “the key political problem in Montenegro is legally and constitutionally unsustainable position of Montenegrin Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic, who is officially accused for criminal charges at Italian courts, for distribution of cigarettes and money laundering. (read here his controversial political biography).

Consequence of this is reduce of Government capacities, corruption on highest levels, insufficient police capacities, politically controlled/dependent judicial branch, attacks on media and journalists, etc”.

Mr. Djukanovic has been a political leader in Montenegro for nearly 20 years, and passed a long raod since then (already served four terms as Prime Minister and one term as President of Montenegro. Now - 2009, he again became Prime Minister for the fifth time). He started as one of the leaders of the Communist Party, then a coalition partner of Slobodan Milosevic in Serbia, and later switched from pro-Yugoslav option into leading independence movement of Montenegro. (see a video with english subtitles about his role in Balkan wars). Recently, a series of articles appeared in many international and regional newspapers, about „possibly one of Europe’s largest smuggling operations in recent years – a multi-billion dollar operation involving the Italian Mafia and the tiny country of Montenegro.“ (read more…)

Mr. Medojevic anticipated that future step of the opposition should be complete boycott of all institutions and system, since all of that was created by support from organized crime. He made it clear that this step required stronger support from European Community and other international factors.

Srdjan Milic, leader of Socialist Peoples Party (Socijalisticka Nardona Partija) said that “his party will not take part in illegitimate process, since the law which enforces the election process is not consistent with Constitution”. He also initiated talks with Montenegrin President Filip Vujanovic. Leaders of three strongest opposition parties (Socialist Peoples Party, Nova, and Movement for Changes), Sradjan Milic, Andrija Mandic and Nebojsa Medojevic, also invited President of Montenegro to join them in opposing organized crime that affects elections process in Montenegro.

Andrija Mandic, leader of Nova Srpska Demokratija, (New Serbian Democracy) described the current political situation in Montenegro with the similar tone - “Organized crime and misuse of state resources that are available to the ruling regime, prevents holding any kind of free and fair elections. Opposition parties will not legitimate undemocratic election process, and we will do everything to change the current position and enable the free will of Montenegrin citizens to be expressed.”

Goran Danilovic, one of the leaders of Nova, stated that he supports the decision “to stop competing with criminal groups on the elections, if that’s the only way to democratize the society”. He also emphasized the importance of international community, that should play active role in the process. 

Majority of non-parliamentarian opposition parties and politicians, such as Emil Krijestolac (Narodna Stranka), Dobrilo Dedeic, Dragica Perovic, Ranko Kadic (Demokratska Srpska Stranka) and many other intellectuals, university professors, independent analysts and prominent public leaders, joined the initiative to end the last undemocratic regime in Europe. Even the students in Montenegro, for the first time in country’s history, held massive protests on the streets of Podgorica (capital) and Cetinje (old royal capital) to end the political influence of ruling regime on the education system (read full story…), as well as in all other spheres of life (having only 650.000 citizens, the ruling party strives to control all aspects of society in Montenegro).  

Will the Brussels listen and react?

. . .

We wrote recently about the first student protests in Montenegrin history. Now, the protest are continuing and student groups will gather on October 10th, in Cetinje, old royal capital of Montenegro. Students also wrote a protest note to the International organizations in Montenegro, arguing that it is “unbelievable for OSCE, Council of Europe, UNICEF, UNDP, Save the Children and other organizations, not to raise their voice about the disturbing situation in Cetinje, after more than 35 days of protesting”. Today, Montenegrin Prime Minister had an urgent meeting with representatives of the students, in order to solve the problem that escalated more than one month ago.

On October 7th 2009, student groups organized a first massive demonstration in Montenegro, ever. Unlike neighbouring Serbia and Croatia, Montenegro never experienced student protests or other forms of youth rebelism. The reason for the first student gathering in the capital of Montenegro - Podgorica, is unacceptable politization of Montenegrin education system, and influence of party clerks who are being unlawfuly positioned in every single institution, starting from kindergartens to State Universities.

Motive for the protests was huge scandal that occured in Cetinje, old royal capital of Montenegro. Legally elected director of local high school was forced to step back, by the Ministry of Education that proposed their own candidate who was, by no means, political clerk from the ruling regime. All students of the high school, as well as their teachers and parents, stood up in defending the legally elected school director. The students are refusing to go back to classrooms until the government solves the issue. It is already more than ONE MONTH since the outrageous scandal from Montenegrin Ministry of Education, and still the problem is not solved.   All students are undoubtly convinced that justice is on their side, so they persist in their decision of not entering into the school until the problem is solved. In the meantime, they organize public classes every day, while a great number of Montenegrin intellectuals, politicians, artists and other citizens supports their actions.

For the first time, public sphere is united in supporting the voice of the youth against the political appointments in educational institutions, as well as in all other spheres of life. In small Montenegro, this is very easily visible, and through such appointments, ruling regime manages to control every aspect of social life in Montenegro.

Most analysts believe that Government of Montenegro is not sincerely interested to accept the fact that they made huge mistake in this case, because it would encourage even more people to begin protesting and pointing out the other outrageous acts by the regime, that are visible in every corner of life.

This is another reason why Montenegrin students from various Universities as well as high schools and other institutions, organized, for the first time, a protest walk in the streets of Podgorica, in order to support their colleagues from Cetinje, and to raise their voice against the big injustice that is happening in Montenegro.

On the Conference of Ministers of Education (April 2009), the only State University in Montenegro, was evaluated with “2? for the quality. Also, on the Conference in Lodnon (2007), it was emphasised that “University of Montenegro is individually politicaly governed.”

Today, October 7th 2009, student groups will organize a first massive demonstration in Montenegro, ever. Unlike neighbouring Serbia and Croatia, Montenegro never experienced student protests or other forms of youth rebelism. The reason for the first student gathering in the capital of Montenegro - Podgorica, is unacceptable politization of Montenegrin education system, and influence of party clerks who are being unlawfuly positioned in every single institution, starting from kindergartens to State Universities.

Motive for the protests was huge scandal that occured in Cetinje, old royal capital of Montenegro. Legally elected director of local high school was forced to step back, by the Ministry of Education that proposed their own candidate who was, by no means, political clerk from the ruling regime. All students of the high school, as well as their teachers and parents, stood up in defending the legally elected school director. The students are refusing to go back to classrooms until the government solves the issue. It is already more than ONE MONTH since the outrageous scandal from Montenegrin Ministry of Education, and still the problem is not solved.   All students are undoubtly convinced that justice is on their side, so they persist in their decision of not entering into the school until the problem is solved. In the meantime, they organize public classes every day, while a great number of Montenegrin intellectuals, politicians, artists and other citizens supports their actions.

For the first time, public sphere is united in supporting the voice of the youth against the political appointments in educational institutions, as well as in all other spheres of life. In small Montenegro, this is very easily visible, and through such appointments, ruling regime manages to control every aspect of social life in Montenegro.

Most analysts believe that Government of Montenegro is not sincerely interested to accept the fact that they made huge mistake in this case, because it would encourage even more people to begin protesting and pointing out the other outrageous acts by the regime, that are visible in every corner of life.

This is another reason why Montenegrin students from various Universities as well as high schools and other institutions, organized, for the first time, a protest walk in the streets of Podgorica, in order to support their colleagues from Cetinje, and to raise their voice against the big injustice that is happening in Montenegro.

On the Conference of Ministers of Education (April 2009), the only State University in Montenegro, was evaluated with “2″ for the quality. Also, on the Conference in Lodnon (2007), it was emphasised that “University of Montenegro is individually politicaly governed.”

Most analysts believed that Montenegro will make good progress towards European Union, after becoming independent in 2006. This tiny country of amazing natural beauties, with only 650.000 citizens, has potential for fast development and quick accession into EU. Unfortunately, it seems that everyone is slowly realising that Montenegro is far away from any progress.

          The basic principles of democracy, such as free elections, strong state institutions, independent judiciary system and many other, are non-existant. Montenegrin state has lost all of its valuable assets and attributes, since country became under a large influence of corruption on all levels, bad and secretive privatization of big companies, organized crime with strong influence in whole Balkans. Organized crime became so influental, that regional cooperation between Serbian and Croatian police was established in order to resolve murder of Croatian journalist Ivo Pukanic and uncover regional criminal organization, with paths leading towards Montenegro. As regional press reported many times -“a controversial figure, Milo Djukanovic (see a video about his role in Balkan wars) has already served four terms as Prime Minister and one term as President of Montenegro. Now - 2009, he again became Prime Minister for the fifth time, with Mr Javier Solana (EU High Representative) calling him “young and perspective politician”. He also withdrew from politics in 2006, for a short period, to dedicate his time to business interests. Mr Djukanovic was under investigation by Italian prosecutors for his alleged role in a multimillion dollar mob-run cigarette smuggling racket to Italy (in the 1990s) and for money laundering. Since Djukanovic became prime minister again last February, the case was dropped after. Many opposition leaders claim that Djukanovic accumulated millions of euros in investment and banking schemes, while his family and friends own great amount of Montenegrin wealth.“

          Not only that ruling elite did nothing to make things better, but even worse, they introduced many of those activities, while promoting themselves as „pro European“ regime, with absolute support of the EU and their officials. The European Union is slowly loosing its credibility among Montenegrin citizens, since they often give open support to the ruling regime. The fact that ex-communist ruling elite is keeping all branches of State power in their hands, makes impossible to make any changes during elections. Even though the voting day may seem to be perfect, none of the elections so far, were free in Montenegro. Large number of citizens are under constant pressure, humiliation and influence by the activists of ruling party, and since Montenegro has only 450.000 voters, it makes it so easy to keep control of everything. That’s the reason why most opposition political parties now think about boycotting elections, as the only solution. The first opposition party in Montenegro, Liberal Alliance of Montenegro, have already „frozen“ their work and left the Parliament of Montenegro in 2005. They urged others to follow them, if they truly want changes in Montenegro.  

          Several months ago, a series of articles has been released by international media with dossiers about Djukanovic’s activities in the previous two decades. The articles revealed stories about „possibly one of Europe’s largest smuggling operations in recent years – a multi-billion dollar operation involving the Italian Mafia and the tiny country of Montenegro.“ Even the phone calls of Mr. Djukanovic had been taped at the time, and part of conversations transcripted in the article named „The Montenegro Connection“.  The story offers many details of the smuggling operations and people who took part in it. At the center of this case is a hidden bit of history, say Italian prosecutors, of how tobacco smuggling became a state enterprise in Montenegro, a Balkan republic in southeastern Europe bordering Serbia and the Adriatic Sea. Home to just 600,000 people, the country is smaller than Israel and is known for its scenic coastline. But it is also known for its smuggling routes through the heart of the Balkans, which, during the breakup of the former Yugoslavia, allowed organized crime to thrive. Italian authorities noted as much in the DIA report. “Montenegro, for a decade, was the real Tortuga of the Adriatic sea,” they wrote, comparing the Balkan state to a Caribbean island notorious for its pirates. “A heaven for illicit trafficking; impunity granted to mobsters … a place where authorities guaranteed the passage of illicitly traded goods.” And investigators left no doubt who they thought was behind the billion-dollar racket: “Milo Djukanovic ruled this Tortuga.” 

Article also emphises that Djukanovic is now prime minister of that “Tortuga.” Re-elected in March 2009, he leads a country where for nearly 17 of the past 18 years he has served as either prime minister or president. And he is pushing hard for Montenegro to join the European Union, which is now considering the country’s membership.

          In the meantime, more news from international press has emerged about new tobacco smuggling investigation, started by Switzerland. The focus of that investigation is, once again, the role of Montenegro. Related with that, earlier this year in the largest organized crime case ever in Switzerland, a court in Bellinzona acquitted seven of nine defendants accused of laundering the profits of cigarette smuggling from the Camorra and Sacra Corona Unita, two of Italy’s most powerful mafia syndicates. In all, more than $1 billion was allegedly washed through Swiss banks between 1994 and 2001, according to prosecutors. A parallel trial is unfolding in Bari, Italy, in which prosecutors have indicted Della Torre for “Mafia association” and allege that he masterminded the tobacco smuggling racket with Montenegro authorities, including Milo Djukanovic. The prime minister, protected by diplomatic immunity, was dropped from the Bari indictment in March.”

Former Chief of the Trade Mission of Montenegro to the United States of America – Ratko M. Knezevic (the “government insider” at the time, with a lot of knowledge about the criminal activities of Mr Djukanovic and his colleagues) published a number of articles and interviews during this summer, in Montenegrin, Croatian and Serbian newspapers, presenting evidence and accusing Djukanovic and his organization for large criminal activities and several murders in the region, particulary famous Croatian journalist Ivo Pukanic, who wrote about Djukanovic’s criminal activities. Recently, Mr Knezevic had also sent an open letter to President Obama and the leadership of the U.S.A. He wrote that „at this moment, which is critical in Montenegro’s history, Djukanovic must not be unwittingly aided by others. In addition to shunning Djukanovic, the governments of other countries should, with care and thoughtfullness, draw closer to and support those who would replace Djukanovic with honest and democratic leadership that truly supports free democracy and the rule of law. “   Read the full letter in English here – part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5.

Also, an open letter of numerous Montenegrin intellectuals and university professors, urged European Union to stop supporting and promoting Djukanovic and his undemocratic regime.

After all being said, both - citizens of Montenegro and opossiton parties are raising simple question - why are EU and its main representatives giving unconditional support to Djukanovic’s regime?

XI Conference of Chiefs of Defense from US-Adriatic Charter 5 member countries was held in Montenegrin city of Budva this week. Adriatic Charter is association of countries from Adriatic (Balkan’s) region with purpose of fostering their attempt to join NATO. It was formed by Albania, Croatia and Republic of Macedonia, and joined by Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina in December 2008. On April 1st 2009, Albania and Croatia became acquired membership in NATO.

Apart from the regional cooperation and discussions about the steps that should be taken in order to progress towards NATO membership, there have been a lot of other subjects which intrigued media and public sphere. What was whispered and asked by many journalists, on the margins of the conference, was the idea that missile defense complex will be built in the Balkans region, instead of Poland and Czech Republic. It was reported that those ideas were not discussed at the conference, but it was neither confirmed nor denied as a possibility for the future.

Considering the fact that Balkans is still very fragile region with easily manipulated masses of citizens, and run by ex-communist political regimes that are often unstable, not so democratic and prone to outside influence, many people are worried that missile defense project might be, indeed, planned to be built in this region, without too much protest, but with heavy price in the future.