Montenegro Vows to Prevent Violence Following Attack on Turkish Nationals

Montenegro has pledged to prevent incidents like the recent attack on Turkish nationals in Zabjela, which occurred late on Saturday night. This commitment comes from the Movement for Europe Now (PES), following the attack that left one person injured and resulted in the detention of several Turkish citizens.

The PES issued a statement emphasizing that while they understand the negative emotions such events can provoke, it is unacceptable for citizens to take the law into their own hands. They condemned the shouting of nationalistic and xenophobic slogans, stating that these actions do not contribute to calming tensions and denounce attacks on property owned by Turkish nationals. The statement firmly reiterated that responsibility for criminal acts lies with individuals, not ethnic communities.

Montenegro’s Commitment to Peace and Security

Montenegro has long been recognized as a haven of peace and security for both its citizens and visitors. The PES underscored the importance of fostering good relations between Montenegro and Turkey, highlighting that Turkish citizens are welcome in the country.

In light of the incident, security services have noted that some individuals residing in Montenegro may pose a security threat. These individuals are often already sought by Turkish authorities for suspected involvement in criminal activities. Prime Minister Dritan Abazovic has initiated measures, including the potential cancellation of the visa-free regime, as a strategy to address these concerns.

The PES affirmed its focus on de-escalating tensions and ensuring the safety of every citizen and visitor in Montenegro, without stigmatizing any social, national, or religious group. They concluded by reinforcing the need for a unified approach to maintaining peace and security in the region.

This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges that can arise in multicultural societies, and Montenegro’s response will be closely observed by both citizens and the international community.