Milatović: I understood that „Referendum - The Story of an Imagined Freedom“ contains inappropriate content, but I have not watched the film

Appearing on E Television’s programme „Crosswords“ („Ukrštene riječi“), President of Montenegro Jakov Milatović said that he had not watched the so-called documentary „Referendum - The Story of an Imagined Freedom“, explaining that he had understood from media reports that it contained inappropriate content.

- I have not watched the film. Based on media reports and the reactions of the competent authorities, I understood that it contains inappropriate content - Milatović said.

He added that attention should not be diverted from Montenegro’s European integration process.

- By successfully completing that process, we are defending the country from foreign influence. In that way, we demonstrate where we stand and where we are headed. I believe that the competent authorities reacted swiftly in relation to the film. It is not the role of the president to respond to everything that happens - Milatović said.

He added that there had also been no reaction from the relevant ministries.

- I understood that the film contains inappropriate content. It is not the only challenge Montenegro is facing - Milatović said.

Asked about his communication with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, Milatović stressed that he maintains the same level of communication with all leaders in the region.

- I have institutional communication with all presidents in the region with the aim of fostering good-neighbourly relations. I would not single out Vučić. He is the leader of a neighbouring country and, as long as he holds that position, he should be regarded as the president of that state - Milatović said.

He recalled that Montenegro has been a member of NATO since 2017, noting that this had firmly secured the country’s strategic position.

- Everything else serves to distract attention from what is truly important - Milatović said.

He pointed to the benefits Montenegro would gain from accession to the European Union.

- Regional cooperation with neighbouring countries, such as Serbia, is economically important. Exports of Montenegrin products to Serbia are among the highest - he added.

Milatović also said that Montenegro’s progress on the European path depends both on Montenegro and the European Union, and that advancement will be determined by the extent to which reforms are implemented.

Asked about malign influence coming from the Kremlin and Belgrade, Milatović said he believes that the best protection of Montenegro’s interests lies in everything that has been achieved over the past four years.

- There has been a significant political and cultural transformation. The message we should send is that Montenegro is a country of free speech. We cannot control everything that happens - Milatović said.

Asked about the night between September 4 and 5, 2021, on the eve of the enthronement of Metropolitan Joanikije, Milatović said he was not a witness to everything that had taken place.

- The most important thing is that the enthronement was completed in the best possible manner - Milatović said.