06.07.2021 – 23:18
Albania should be more present and more interested in the issues of Albanians in Montenegro. This is the criticism that the Deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro, Dritan Abazovic, has for our country, while he adds that, however, he has recently seen a change in the situation for the better.
In an interview given to analyst Mentor Nazarko, Abazovic shows, among other things, his vision for the future of the region, but also for the relations he has with Albanian leaders Edi Rama and Albin Kurti.
“Albania is present, but there is an opportunity to be much more present than it is. In the past I did not have the opportunity to give my personal opinion as a politician. I was frustrated with Albania’s lack of interest in Montenegrin issues, or that interest has been very small. “I want to state that in recent years that issue has begun to change and I see that there is a greater interest,” said the Deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro, while emphasizing that he will soon visit Tirana. “
While saying that the two countries should be better connected in terms of infrastructure, Abazovic explains that if conditions are created in Ulcinj, then the number of visitors will increase.
“We need to connect better, with infrastructure. Especially Ulcinj with Shkodra. We want to create conditions for you, and I am sure that people who have money and are from Albania will come to Ulcinj. ”
Abazovic in the interview given to the analyst Mentor Nazarko said that he fully supports the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue. According to him, without mutual recognition between the two states, there can be no solution to the stalemate.
“We fully support the dialogue, we think that no solution can be found outside it. It is known how it will end. Without the recognition of the two states, this problem can no longer be solved. “Maximally, the Montenegrin government, I personally, and all members of the government, are for both sides to resolve it as democratically as possible… and to have a much more peaceful future…”
Asked about the similarities and differences between his policies and those of Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti, Abazovic said that the differences arise mainly from the different circumstances of the two countries.
As he explains, his policies have a more European spirit compared to those of the Kosovo leader.
“I have an extraordinary respect for Kurti. Maybe we have slightly different policies. My policy is more European-inspired. I am not saying that Kurti’s policy is not inspired in that direction. But I believe that the issues in Kosovo are not the same as in Montenegro and I believe that this has greatly influenced the perception of politics. I can say that relations with the government of Kosovo, for now we have very good. I look forward to visiting Pristina very soon. I hope they will give a new spirit there too. “
As for Edi Rama, Dritan Abazovic said that he is not worried about the fact that he supported his colleague Milo Djukanovic in the elections. He believes that the head of government in Albania will make the right choices in the election of ministers this third term.
The Deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro stressed that his government is ready for good relations with our country and that despite the differences, major issues like those of the region, see them the same.
“I have no problem that he (Edi Rama) has decided to support his colleague in Montenegro. I wish them success, I hope the new government will be more successful than before. I believe that Rama will make a good choice of ministers, to make a fresh one for sure. “As far as we are concerned, we are ready for good relations, for cooperation… although we may not see anything the same, we see the strategic things for the region quite the same.”
As for the mayor of Tirana, Abazovic says: “Veliaj seems very energetic to me and has brought many good things to Tirana, both in the civil sector and there he has been with a good energy. I believe that he also has the will to help us in the processes in Ulcinj. “
But which of the suggested models for the Balkan mini-Schengen does Dritan Abazovic support?
“I am for any model that shows that cooperation can be more active than it is now. “All modalities have one thing in common, so that the Balkan states function better.” he says.
The number two government in Montenegro stressed that it seems illogical that some leaders criticize the minishengen, according to him, anything that helps cooperation between states is a good thing.
“I do not like when someone gives criticisms that are a bit illogical, when they say that mini-Schengen is not good… everything that goes in cooperation is good, everything that leads to the destruction of relations is weak… Institutionalization, it it had been my dream, these states to raise the level, break down barriers and see the situation where borders are not seen. I am against border changes but I am for borders to be invisible. Mobility should also be unlimited. ”
Mentor analyst Nazarko also asked the head of the URA about the claims of Shkodra or Ulcinj families from Durrës for property in Ulcinj and Bar.
Will you help them even with the principle of reciprocity with Albania?
“I agree and I should activate it more as an issue. The problem lies in the judicial system in Montenegro which is very unproductive, but after the Valdanos elections, we will absolutely deal with this as well. I am for the elimination of any injustice. I believe that with some updates that will come to the trial of Montenegro, these issues that belong to the people of Shkodra will gain a positive epilogue. ”
