PM Krivokapić meets with Archbishop Ieronymos: Government guarantees respect for basic human rights and freedoms

Prime Minister Zdravko Krivokapić met today in Athens with Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Ieronymos.

Prime Minister Krivokapić reminded Archbishop Ieronymos that a large part of the citizens of Montenegro are celebrating a great holiday today, St. Basil of Ostrog, and that he is happy to share that joy with him today as the head of the Greek Orthodox Church. The Prime Minister informed His Beatitude Archbishop Ieronymos about the status of religious communities in Montenegro and said that the Government of Montenegro is determined to continue to guarantee respect for basic human rights and freedoms, including the right to freedom of religion.

He reminded that the Parliament of Montenegro in January this year adopted the Law on Freedom of Religion or Belief in the Legal Status of Religious Communities, which improved legal security, respecting the legal and historical continuity of traditional religious communities in Montenegro.

"The goal of the Government is to eliminate the negative practice of discrimination and inequality, and to promote freedom and essential equality of religious communities in their activities," said Prime Minister Krivokapić, adding that the Government of Montenegro will soon sign a Basic Agreement with the Serbian Orthodox Church, as the largest religious community in Montenegro.

Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Ieronymos pointed out that Montenegro is a beautiful country and that he is especially happy that Prime Minister Krivokapić is in Athens today.

"Your country has given this world great and prominent figures, both throughout history and in modern times, figures who have revived, nurtured and preserved the Orthodox tradition. I want to express the special feelings and brotherly love that the Greek people have for you and your country," said Archbishop Ieronymos.

Archbishop Ieronymos pointed to the great cooperation between the state and the church in Greece, adding that the Hellenic Republic is a member of the EU and that he is happy that Montenegro is following that path.

Minister of Economic Development and Tourism Jakov Milatović and Minister of Finance and Social Welfare Milojko Spajić also attended the meeting.