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PM Marković at celebration of Independence Day: On 21 May 2006 we corrected historical injustice, our results are not seen only by those who do not want to see them

Published on: May 18, 2019 1:55 AM Author: PR Service
Cetinje, Montenegro (17 May 2019) -- Prime Minister Duško Marković said on the occasion of the 13th anniversary of the restoration of Montenegro's independence that on 21 May 2006, 100 years old historical injustice was corrected and that Montenegro was returned to the world's political map, and that our country then turned to the future instead to the mythological past, as well as that all the events that followed confirmed the correctness of our strategic commitment to integrate Montenegro into the most advanced communities of the modern world: NATO and the European Union.

"Today we celebrate the thirteenth anniversary of the historic referendum. The referendum at which Montenegro restored its prerogative – to be on its own in its own right – after almost a century. It was by a courageous, wise and patient state policy, on the one hand, and the democratic strength of all citizens to make a decisive historic decision in a peaceful and dignified manner,  on the other, that we rectified the centenary injustice, and on that 21 May 2006 restored the name of our country and our people to the political map of the world. From the painful experience through which Montenegro went throughout its history, we learned the most important lesson: That our independence restored at the referendum on 21 May was not bestowed upon us once and for all. And that BELONGING to the community of the most developed countries of today, which not only cherish but also preserve the values of a free and democratic society, stands for its long‐term guarantee. These are the values of tolerance, coexistence and civic state, as the fundamental principles of not only survival, but also development of each and every country. Everything that has happened over the past 13 years has confirmed the correctness of our strategic commitment to integrate Montenegro into the most advanced communities of the modern world: the North Atlantic Alliance and the European Union. We turned to the future instead of the mythomaniac past – not forgetting the brightest traditions in which the spirituality, culture and recognisability of our people survived in the Balkan storms; traditions that have bred freedom and antifascism as the moral backbone of the society, which enabled us to begin building new Montenegro on 21 May – dignified and worthy of respect of its every citizen, as well every one of its allies and partners," Prime Minister Duško Marković said at the reception he hosted for distinguished figures from political and public life, and diplomatic corps, which took place in the Old Royal Capital of Cetinje earlier this evening.

The Prime Minister recalled Montenegro's achievements, with particular emphasis on NATO membership and excellent results in the economic area.

"We are also proud of the economic growth rates that have been among the highest in Europe for the third consecutive year. Only on the basis of such a dynamic growth of the economy can we guarantee a better standard of living for all our citizens. Equally in the south and in the north, as a result of balanced regional development and a strong investment momentum. Next year, we will have completed the first section of our biggest infrastructure project, the highway from Smokovac to Mateševo, and then proceed immediately to the continuation of works on other sections. Our country is also a large construction site; and at the same time a prestigious tourism, and growing investment destination. Hence, Montenegro today and Montenegro 13 years ago – do not look alike! These are the results that cannot be unseen. Some can only wish to unsee them," the Prime Minister noted.

PM Marković underscored that Montenegro has visibly strengthened the institutions as confirmed by the recent verdict in the most complex trial in the country's history.

"The Montenegrin judiciary has passed a difficult test in the most complex trial in our history. In this way, what is referred to in theory as the "power of institutions" is demonstrated in action. Because, every attack on our institutions, in this case on the judiciary, is actually an attack on the state and its existence. We have confirmed, therefore, that Montenegro is a state that has the capacity and power to defend itself from the gravest terrorist threats that loomed over it, and to bring the perpetrators of such acts to justice," said the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister concluding by calling on all political stakeholders to work together for the benefit of the State and society.

"That is why I call on all political stakeholders on this occasion, among whom are those who consistently do not want to be with us when we celebrate the date of the restoration of our state, to work together for its good and good of its citizens. In order to achieve this goal, the only requirement is possessing a feature of every human being around the planet – loving and respecting one’s own country – because only in this way will it be fully respected by everyone else," Prime Minister Duško Marković stressed.

PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICE OF THE GOVERNMENT OF MONTENEGRO

Prime Minister Marković's speech can be downloaded here.

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