Opposition Demands Urgent Hearing for Montenegrin Foreign Minister

The Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) is calling for an urgent hearing for Montenegro’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister, Ervin Ibrahimovic. The party seeks clarification on the government’s actions following what they describe as an “international disgrace” stemming from recent incidents involving Turkish nationals.

During a press conference, DPS representative Oskar Huter criticized the government for its handling of security matters, claiming that it has led to an unprecedented situation affecting the image of Montenegro on the global stage. Huter’s statements followed the arrest of two Azerbaijani citizens, which he argued has unfairly resulted in punitive measures against Turkish citizens, impacting approximately 90 million people.

Huter elaborated that due to significant oversights and decisions made by the Montenegrin government, Turkish nationals have faced harassment and mistreatment. He cited incidents where Turkish property was reportedly destroyed, and business establishments vandalized. He emphasized that scenes reminiscent of wartime practices, such as public detentions, have become troublingly commonplace.

In the aftermath of an incident that left one Montenegrin citizen injured, the government instituted a visa regime for Turkish citizens. Huter noted that subsequent investigations revealed that those arrested had no connection to the crimes and were at home during the occurrence.

“The victims of this government’s actions are the citizens of Montenegro,” Huter stated. He pointed out that the government’s mismanagement has not only escalated xenophobia but also strained diplomatic relations with Turkey. The Turkish ambassador has indicated that unless the visa decision is promptly reversed, Turkey may retaliate with reciprocal measures.

Huter raised critical questions about the responsibility of Prime Minister Spajic and his administration. “Will the Prime Minister take accountability for the consequences of his decisions? Does anyone in this government feel responsible for the damage done to Montenegro’s international reputation and the harm caused to its citizens?” he asked.

He further highlighted that thousands of Montenegrin citizens maintain ties to Turkey through various avenues such as healthcare, education, and business partnerships, warning that the repercussions of this “reckless decision” could be severe.

The DPS will formally pursue an immediate hearing with Minister Ibrahimovic to ascertain his support for the government’s actions and to discuss potential repercussions for Montenegro. Huter expressed urgency for the hearing to be scheduled in the near future, underscoring that this issue transcends political posturing and is fundamentally about the welfare of the citizens of Montenegro.

“This is not about cheap political points; it is about concern for the people of this country. I urge the minister to come forward as soon as possible and inform us of his position,” concluded Huter.