Montenegro Government Undecided on Srebrenica Genocide Resolution Stance

The Montenegrin government has yet to take a clear stance on co-sponsoring the United Nations (UN) Resolution on the genocide in Srebrenica, despite growing pressure from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and prominent citizens in the country. Prime Minister Milojko Spajic acknowledged the European Union's recognition of Montenegro's progress in the rule of law but declined to comment on whether the government would support the resolution.

An initiative urging the government to sponsor the UN Resolution has gained support from 84 NGOs and over 100 prominent individuals in Montenegro, marking the largest number of Montenegrin NGOs to ever unite behind a single cause. The NGO Action for Human Rights (HRA) sent a letter to Prime Minister Spajic, presenting additional arguments to compel Montenegro to sponsor the resolution, primarily for moral reasons and to express regret for the Srebrenica genocide.

The NGOs have demanded that the government include the issue of sponsoring the UN resolution on the agenda of its upcoming session. They expect the government to decide to sponsor the resolution, citing Montenegro's alliance with Serbia during the time when over 8,300 civilians, including 600 children, were killed in Srebrenica in July 1995 by members of the Army of Republika Srpska.

Why this matters: The Montenegrin government's decision on the Srebrenica genocide resolution holds significant implications for the country's stance on human rights and its relationship with neighboring countries in the Western Balkans. The overwhelming support from NGOs and prominent citizens highlights the growing demand for Montenegro to confront its past and take a clear position on the genocide.

Despite the mounting pressure, Prime Minister Spajic has remained non-committal on the issue, instead emphasizing the government's focus on infrastructure development and stating that the capital budget for this year is €240 million. Spajic said he would inform the public about issues not related to infrastructure in a timely manner but refrained from answering questions about the government's position on the Srebrenica genocide resolution.

Key Takeaways

• Montenegro yet to take stance on UN Srebrenica genocide resolution.
• Initiative by 84 NGOs and 100+ individuals urges govt to sponsor resolution.
• Govt's decision holds implications for human rights and regional relations.
• PM Spajic emphasizes infrastructure, avoids commenting on genocide resolution.
• Mounting pressure on Montenegro to confront its past and take clear position.