PM Marković: Montenegro has no list of people declared persona non grata, Metropolitan Amfilohije announces Patriarch Irinej's apology

Žabljak, Montenegro (15 October 2018) -- Montenegro has no list of persons declared persona non grata, Prime Minister Duško Marković said commenting on today's statement by the Serbian Patriarch.

"I have had no opportunity to hear this statement by Patriarch Irinej. It is obviously quite different from the one he made during his previous visit," said Prime Minister Marković.

He stressed that he received an invitation from the Montenegrin Metropolitanate to be their guest today, but that he could not accept due to previously undertaken obligations in Žabljak.

"But I thanked them in a letter, noting that I am hopeful that Patriarch Irinej will withdraw his statement and apologise to Montenegro and its citizens. In last night's conversation with Metropolitan Amfilohije I was told the Patriarch is going to do that," Prime Minister Duško Marković stated.

He told reporters that Montenegro has no reasons to bow its head when it comes to its state identity and dignity.

"There is no reason to hide ourselves from the values we cherish, namely the multiethnic and multireligious harmony, communion and solidarity. When we exclude political interests and political games. I believe that Patriarch Irinej understands this and that messages of peace and coexistence with Montenegro are welcome even in the case of Patriarch Irinej," said the Prime Minister.

When asked by journalists whether there are lists of political figures who are, according to some media reports, banned from entering Montenegro, Prime Minister Duško Marković responded with disdain.

"We have not prepared such a list. There were expectations that we might do that. In addition to those who are related to crime and are not welcome here, there are no other lists," said the Prime Minister, adding that Montenegro is determined to defend its dignity, primarily through democratic means.

PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICE OF THE GOVERNMENT OF MONTENEGRO