PM Marković: State symbols must be respected in every country, Government will persist in applying proposed amendments to law

"Such an approach is followed by all democratic and serious states and almost all the countries in the world protect their dignity and their state symbols in such a way. That is why I am surprised by these questions and in particular by the negative campaign in the media," the Prime Minister said answering questions from journalists earlier today.

The Prime Minister pointed out that Montenegro is not doing anything that other countries do not do. Disrespect of state symbols in Montenegro is a violation, whereas in some countries it is also a criminal offense that is followed by a prison sentence, he underlined.

PM Marković noted that the resistance to the amendments to the law, passed by the Government at the last week's session, is not only resistance to the Government, but also resistance to the State.

"I am surprised by this type of resistance. ... You can criticise the Government, you do not have to love the Prime Minister, you can do everything to remove him and bring the new one. But you have to respect the State. It is the principle underlying every serious, democratic and free society. Whoever does not stand for the anthem will be fined. We will not force them to stand up," the Prime Minister stressed.

Prime Minister Duško Marković emphasised that the Government will persist in applying the proposed solutions.

"These solutions remain, and we will be persistent in applying them as they are in the USA, China, Russia... Why is it a problem here? Why is it a problem for journalists? Why is it a problem for political parties? Why are the surrounding countries dealing with this matter? Are we dealing with Serbia's law on the protection of the dignity of the state and its symbols? No. That is their autonomous law, this is ours. Let us do a responsible job that belongs to the Government and this State," said Prime Minister Duško Marković.