PM Marković: Metropolitanate of Montenegro's facility on Rumija is illegal and will be removed

Prime Minister Duško Marković said today that the facility on Rumija Mountain, which was built by the Metropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral, will have to be removed because it is illegal.

What happened these days is illegal, the inspection went there and made the record, which I did not have the opportunity to see, but I believe it will be aimed at removing everything that was done in the meantime on that building. I believe that criminal charges will be also filed if there are any conditions for this, and of course this also speaks in favour of the fact that the facility will have to be removed, the Prime Minister said, answering the questions of the journalists following the Prime Minister's Questions.

The Prime Minister noted that it is inappropriate and unnecessary that the Metropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral builds religious buildings in an illegitimate and illegal way – whether on Rumija or other parts of the territory of Montenegro.

As it is case with every citizen, the planning documents and procedures must apply to the Metropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral. Their spiritual and religious commitment cannot be the reason, nor can it be a fact that will free them from the application of the law. I am surprised that Metropolitan Amfilohije [Radović] allowed such an activity and the continuation of illegal and illegitimate works on the church on Rumija, which was declared as illegal facility by the previous decision on spatial planning of the Ministry, PM Marković said.

Responding to a journalist's question when the removal of the facility can be expected, PM Marković said there was no difference between any illegal building in the country and that the decision will be made when the conditions are met.

I am surprised with the fact that the Metropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral – which promotes communion, respect for the law, respect for the state, understanding people – is an example of illegal behaviour and non-compliance with the law. It's something that's not good. At that point we cannot say that from that address come messages of peace which should ensure social and overall stability in the country to strengthen our valuable multi-religious harmony. We will make decision when the conditions are met. We'll talk to the Metropolitanate. I've seen their messages. "The Government knows where the Metropolitanate is." No! The Metropolitanate violates the law. They should come to the Government and they will come to the Government to clarify this issue. We will deal in the same way with all the problems that have this content and this dimension, Prime Minister Duško Marković stressed.

PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICE OF THE GOVERNMENT OF MONTENEGRO

Video: https://youtu.be/HU9xfjVyAtA