Reaction by Prime Minister of Montenegro, Milo Djukanovic, in regard of lies carried over in some local media on his property

Montenegrin media space was over the past few days contaminated by the many-times-rehashed science fiction stories about cigarette smuggling and Milo Djukanovics illegally acquired wealth. This is just another in a series of lies with the same objective discrediting myself and members of my family. And unlike the previous ones, more stupid, given that it overlooks previous denials and even final judgements on actions that I brought in regard of similar falsehoods.

The most recent lie was this time launched by a so-called center for investigative journalism based in the United States of America. The actual authors, however, are not on that, but on this side of the Atlantic. They are local and regional investigators who, already at the beginning of the text, mention as their crucial argument statements by members of local NGOs, opposition parties and journalists a group of untiring, futile hunters on my enormous wealth

Why is this political group, under the guise of independent journalists and NGO sector, so acrimoniously repeating something so stupid and trying to prove the unprovable that I, during my (obviously for some people irritatingly long) political life acted unlawfully and to the detriment of the state?

I do not believe that they are inspired by any ideological or political reasons, but that, as usual, it is petty interests that drive these reputable investigators
and carriers to publish blatant lies.

That is why I offer them a more profitable deal to spare them playing up to those who are behind all this: let them find my treasure
and show it for the public to see. They will benefit and so will I. Firstly, it is only fair that I, as the owner should finally benefit from all these millions. Secondly, I am prepared to give an ample reward to the finder.

Coupled with other benefits this can help ensure that these and similar investigators are spared the need to deceive the public and compromise their profession in return for small change
Although I am tired of repeating this over and over, it is because of my respect for the public these deceptions are aimed at that I wish to state once again: before end of 2006 my only activity had to do with the public office that I discharged, for which I incurred a salary precisely stipulated by law.

From end 2006 till early March 2008 I was publicly and lawfully in private , of course successful, business, and, of course, I paid my taxes to the state.

Since March 2008 I have again been discharging public office. My formerly launched business operations were stopped and any changes that have happened in the meantime had to do with payments of due taxes.

This is the only truth about Milo Djukanovics wealth.

I am fully aware that as long as I am successful in politics or in private business for that matter, I will always be a target for those who are not successful. I suggest that they look for reasons of their failure in themselves. And my message to local, perfervid malcontents on duty who seek their support abroad : let them show courage and form a political party and so try to win power in the only democratic fashion available. Hiding behind investigators, various internet sites, NGO groups, and so forth has not only proven to be futile, but is not in the least chivalrous.

And in Montenegro people know well the meaning of this word.

Milo Djukanovic