Zenka- Deković: The continuation of an open dialogue as a key asset of mutual communication is of great importance

Minorities in Montenegro have strong support from the Government regarding the improvement of their position, said Minister for Human and Minority Rights Mehmed Zenka at the meeting held on a regular consultative basis with the President of the Croatian National Council Mr. Zvonimir Deković.

Cooperation of all institutional mechanisms for the protection and improvement of the position of minority people in Montenegro is necessary if we want to have minorities fully integrated in Montenegrin society, said Minister Zenka. Montenegro recognizes minorities as partners and friends which are integral part of its society, Zenka said, adding that minorities feel and appreciate it. Minorities are supporting the advanced ideas, the progressive path of Montenegro, but we also have to learn more about each other in Montenegro.

For this reason, the Ministry for Human and Minority Rights strengthens activities aimed at improving understanding of the nationalities and religions, Minister said. The point is that people get to know each other more,more they will respect each other the more they understand each other, Zenka said.

Zenka and Deković discussed the activities of the Croatian National Council in the previous year as well as the most significant challenges faced by the Croatian national minority in Montenegro. In the light of the recent incident situation of the Tomkić family, the interlocutors welcomed the timely reaction of the competent authorities and the support that the Government of Montenegro showed.

Mutual conviction was expressed that Montenegro is beyond these situations and is ready to respond to any case that could potentially jeopardize good interpersonal, inter-ethnic and inter-religious relations in Montenegro. Montenegro is the state of all its citizens and it is concluded that everyone is ready to contribute to preserving the common heritage as best as possible.

Zenka and Deković discussed the activities of the Croatian National Council in the previous year and the most significant challenges faced by the Croatian national minority in Montenegro. In light of the recent incident situation of the Tomkić family, the interlocutors welcomed the timely reaction of the competent authorities and the support that the Government of Montenegro showed.

It is jointly assessed that the continuation of an open dialogue as an key asset of mutual communication is of great importance.

Ministry for Human and Minority Rights