McAllister warns of foreign interference: The EU must help Montenegro
Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) and an MEP from the European People’s Party (EPP), David McAllister, said in an interview with ETV Portal that there is reason for concern over possible foreign interference in Montenegro, noting that the European Parliament has repeatedly warned about foreign influence, while disinformation and political pressure can undermine democratic institutions and public trust in the EU accession process.
Responding to ETV Portal’s questions about possible Serbian and Russian influence on developments in Montenegro on its path towards EU membership, the upcoming parliamentary elections, statements made by Parliament Speaker Andrija Mandić following the death of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić, as well as the European Union’s response to events in Serbia, McAllister said that the people of Montenegro must be free to decide the future of their country.
- The European Parliament has repeatedly warned about foreign interference in Montenegro. Disinformation and political pressure can undermine democratic institutions and public trust in EU accession. The people of Montenegro must be free to decide the future of their country. The EU should help Montenegro protect its elections, counter disinformation and strengthen independent institutions - McAllister told ETV Portal.
Speaking about Montenegro’s parliamentary elections, expected next year, and their possible impact on the pace of EU accession, McAllister said much would depend on whether political parties continue their reform efforts during the campaign and after the formation of a new government.
- Elections are an essential part of democracy. Their impact on the accession process will depend on whether political parties continue their reform efforts during the campaign and the formation of the next government. Montenegro is the most advanced candidate country, with strong public support for EU membership. This creates a responsibility for political parties to cooperate, regardless of their political affiliation, in meeting the remaining requirements. The priorities are clear: an independent judiciary, effective action against corruption and organised crime, and consistent implementation of adopted reforms. Progress in these areas will determine the actual pace of accession - McAllister said.
„MLADIĆ’S CRIMES MUST NEVER BE MINIMISED OR GLORIFIED“
Commenting on recent public statements by Parliament Speaker Andrija Mandić following the death of Ratko Mladić, who was convicted of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, McAllister stressed the particular responsibility of the Speaker of Parliament to respect the values to which Montenegro has committed itself on its European path.
- The Speaker of Parliament has a particular responsibility to respect the values to which Montenegro has committed itself on its path towards EU membership. Mladić was convicted of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. His crimes must never be minimised or glorified. Respect for the victims and acceptance of the judgments of international courts are essential for reconciliation. Montenegro’s political leaders should uphold these principles clearly and consistently - McAllister said.
„OFFICIAL SUPPORT AND THE PARTICIPATION OF SENIOR SERBIAN OFFICIALS WERE DEEPLY CONCERNING“
McAllister also commented on the public reactions and actions of state representatives in connection with Ratko Mladić’s funeral in Serbia, saying that the official support and participation of senior Serbian officials were deeply concerning.
- The official support and participation of senior Serbian officials were deeply concerning. Such actions lend legitimacy to the glorification of a convicted war criminal and undermine reconciliation in the region. Many citizens of Serbia want a future within the European Union. Their aspirations deserve credible and necessary reforms - McAllister said.
Asked by ETV Portal whether the European Union’s response to recent developments in Serbia had been sufficiently clear and decisive, or whether a stronger political message from Brussels was needed, McAllister said that the messages from European officials had been clear.
- The condemnation by EU leaders and the debate in the European Parliament sent a very clear message. Progress towards EU membership depends on a genuine commitment to democracy, the rule of law and reconciliation - McAllister concluded.