Negation Of Our Right To Decide Our Own Fate

"It is impermissible that the international community pushes Montenegro in such a hell and the community whose symbol is the black flag with a skull," Dr. Nebojsa Vucinic, the director of the center for human rights of the University of Montenegro, stated for Pobjeda

by A. RACKOVIC

Pobjeda, Podgorica, Montenegro, FR Yugoslavia, May 10, 2001

"The statement by Mr. Kostunica is in accordance with the well-known and constant attitude of the Greater Serbian policy. Mr. Kostunica openly advocates Greater Serbian policy, even though he tries to hide it by talk about democracy," Dr. Nebojsa Vucinic, the director of the center for human rights of the University of Montenegro, commented on Dr. Vojislav Kostunica's vision of the future relations between Montenegro and Serbia given in his statement from two days ago at the U.N. headquarters in New York. Namely, on that occasion Mr. Kostunica stated that he saw the future Yugoslav federation as "a federation of highly autonomous Serbia and Montenegro, with functional and efficient federal institutions". Mr. Kostunica assessed that the survival of FR Yugoslavia is extremely important for the stability of the region and stated that "we support democratic Montenegro within democratic Yugoslavia". On that occasion he reiterated his support for a "minimal and functional federation".

"It is dangerous and tragic that the international community supports such views, although these days it has become aware that the Greater Serbian project hasn't been abandoned and defeated, but is only waiting for a chance and favorable international circumstances to again start wars, hatred and massacres everywhere in the former Yugoslavia," said Dr. Vucinic.

"That can be seen from the recent events in Trebinje and Banja Luka and the raging of their supporters under the flag with a scull. That is the same flag of the nationalist-chauvinist project, under which, also their supporters, celebrated the election results on April 22, in the evening, on Ivan Milutinovic square in Podgorica."

"It is impermissible that the international community," assessed Dr. Nebojsa Vucinic, "pushes Montenegro in such hell, in the community whose symbol is a black flag with a scull. Exactly the preservation of such a state with chauvinist policies and ideology symbolized by that black flag with a scull, is the biggest threat to peace, security, and prosperity in the Balkans," emphasized Vucinic.

"Repeated Kostunica's statements demonstrate their frozen mindset and conscience, both individually and collectively, as they view and realize Montenegro as a part of Serbia. That is madness and against the historical and contemporary experience, desires and decisions of a majority of citizens in Montenegro. Mr. Kostunica's statement again reflects the view that Montenegro and its citizens should be denied the most basic individual and collective rights, the right to decide our own fate, to be on our own, separate from others," said Dr. Nebojsa Vucinic.

Montenegro Passing Through Purgatory

Freedom The Only Way

Some want that Montenegro forget about herself. None of her values - cultural, historical, ethnic, material-interest - have been defined. Do we have the right to allow that?

by Vojislav VULANOVIC

Pobjeda, Podgorica, Montenegro, May 6, 2001

Montenegro is passing through yet another purgatory. The fate wanted it that the Montenegrin people, after suffering through history, troubles and incessant struggle, yet again must conquer that which has been conquered a long time ago - its own Montenegro! It is strange that dragons and crows are staking a claim on our homes, our country, our history, our freedom. Some want that Montenegro forget about herself. None of her values - cultural, historical, ethnic, material-interest - have been defined. Today Montenegro has powerful enemies, who do not want that her people live peacefully, creating its own goods in its own homestead. Who among us has the right to allow that? Who will allow that? I reluctantly speak (and think!) about those "working" for the horrendous Greater Serbian conspiracy. We all see that the current Serb authorities have very few democrats (were there any in the previous authorities?), very few enlightened, cosmopolitan spirits. There are very few around Kostunica, together with Kostunica, that deserve respect! The headquarters for the destruction of Montenegro have always been in Belgrade - from prince Milos, prince Aleksandar Karadjordjevic, during the Obrenovic dynasty, king Petar, Nikola Pasic, king Aleksandar, Rankovic, Cosic, all the way to Milosevic and Kostunica. And our lot, they were traitors, co-conspirators. They did not care too much about "national consciousness", but more about privilege, a tempting office, money, therefore greed. Did not Judas betray Christ for only ten silver coins? Therefore, our problem is in Belgrade! They do that secretly, but not sufficiently skillfully to hide their dirty tracks. That is the origin of our internal divisions that set us back in every way. We are dealing with our own misfortune, mutual recriminations, instead of building a better life! None of Montenegrin divisions originate from within, from the autochtonous Montenegrin essence and interests. These divisions have always been imported and fanned from outside. What is the origin of such obsession with Montenegro? Today, that obsession is mostly motivated by access to the sea! Therefore, by conquest of territory! But there are also other motives. The Serb policy will give up its intentions and illusions with difficulty. A significant portion of the Serb and Montenegrin people has been brought to support that chauvinist "romantism" by manipulation and propaganda. One has to fear that a lot of time will pass until a cleansing and catharsis. Many minds are still too slow in Montenegro! Nenad Canak, the president of the Vojvodina Assembly said for Kostunica's party that it was "...a small circle of fascists in coattails, who support the ideas advocated by the leader of the Radicals, Vojislav Seselj." The best of the Serb intellectuals are not, as is "officially" said, Cosic and his group. Intellectuals must be humane, well-meaning, cleansed of nationalist and chauvinist urges! The best Serb intellectuals today live abroad. They include brilliant individuals and creative spirits: Bogdan Bogdanovic, Vidosav Stevanovic, Ivan Djuric (unfortunately died abroad in Paris), Radomir Konstatinovic, Aleskandar Tisma, Srdja Popovic, Filip David, Vojin Diitrijevic, Borka Pavicevic, Biljana Jovanovic (daughter of Batric Jovanovic, unfortunately died a few years ago in Ljubljana) and many others. Kostunica does not call on their spirit, nor will easily let it outside of the bottle, as he would be bothered by their critical attitude, by their creative and moral integrity. But without doubt, their moral uprightness will one day dance above Serbia, it will pour the real truths in the consciousness and minds of the most honest, most vital, most educated, on whom the progress of Serbia will be based! What will the group that thinks that world is moved by violence, evil and stupidity do! What will Kostunica's favorites in Montenegro do? What will those who these days are sowing hatred and evil in our towns, villages and hamlets do? They are ambitious half-morons (every chauvinist is a half-moron!). Today Montenegro is aware and no one can cheat her. Montenegrins know what they need to do. Montenegro will be the master of her fate!

Translated on May 29, 2001