Montenegro Government Undecided on Srebrenica Genocide Resolution

The government of Montenegro has yet to take a stance on co-sponsoring a United Nations resolution commemorating the 1995 Srebrenica genocide. Prime Minister Milojko Spajic acknowledged the European Union's recognition of Montenegro's progress in the rule of law but declined to comment on the government's position regarding the resolution. Instead, Spajic emphasized the government's focus on infrastructure development plans, stating that they will prioritize such projects and inform the public on other issues unrelated to infrastructure.

A group of 84 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and over 100 prominent citizens in Montenegro have initiated a call for the government to sponsor the UN resolution on memorializing the Srebrenica genocide. This marks the first time such a large number of Montenegrin NGOs have united to support an initiative. The NGOs have sent a letter to Prime Minister Spajic, presenting additional arguments compelling Montenegro to sponsor the resolution. They demand that the government's agenda for the next session include the issue of sponsoring the resolution, primarily for moral reasons and as an expression of regret for the fact that over 8,300 civilians, including 600 children, were killed in Srebrenica in July 1995, during which time Montenegro was assisting the Army of Republika Srpska whose members perpetrated the genocide.

Why this matters: The Montenegrin government's decision on co-sponsoring the UN resolution on the Srebrenica genocide holds significant implications for the country's stance on human rights and its relationship with neighboring countries in the Western Balkans. The united call from a large number of NGOs and prominent citizens highlights the growing public pressure on the government to take a clear position on this sensitive issue.

The ongoing political tensions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly regarding the Republika Srpska (RS) entity's stance on the Srebrenica genocide resolution, have further complicated the situation. RS President Milorad Dodik is traveling to Russia to attend an international security forum, while an extraordinary session of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina has been called at the request of the RS member Željka Cvijanović. France has expressed concern about the legal measures adopted by the National Assembly of the RS, including a draft election law, which has been criticized by the Permanent Representative of Russia to the UN.

Former state president Milo Djukanovic criticized the government's "political revanchism," but Prime Minister Spajic did not elaborate on this statement. The United States Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina has criticized Dodik for denying the Srebrenica genocide, while the Russian Embassy has accused the US of being the reason for instability in the country.

As the Montenegrin government deliberates on its position regarding the UN resolution on the Srebrenica genocide, the country finds itself at a critical juncture. The decision will not only reflect Montenegro's commitment to justice and human rights but also shape its diplomatic relations within the Western Balkans and beyond. The united call from NGOs and citizens has amplified the urgency for the government to take a clear stance, while the complex political dynamics in the region continue to influence the ongoing discussions.

Key Takeaways

• Montenegro govt yet to take stance on UN Srebrenica genocide resolution.
• 84 NGOs and 100+ citizens call for govt to sponsor UN Srebrenica resolution.
• Govt's decision on Srebrenica resolution has implications for human rights, regional relations.
• Political tensions in Bosnia-Herzegovina complicate the situation, with Republika Srpska's stance.
• Govt's decision will reflect Montenegro's commitment to justice and shape diplomatic ties.