Kosovo, Montenegro Links Await ICJ Decision

Montenegrin Deputy Prime Minister Svetozar Marovic said Montenegro should not establish diplomatic relations with Kosovo, while the hearing before the International Court of Justice, ICJ, is ongoing or until the court makes a decision.

In an interview with daily Danas, Marovic added that this is his personal opinion, but not the official stance of Podgorica.

"I do not know how long the process will last or for how long the court's decision will be waited. The Government of Montenegro will take into serious consideration all the circumstances before deciding on the eventual establishment of diplomatic relations with Pristina. In this I am sure. As I said, I see no obstacles for it, nor the reasons for the rush.

Montenegro recognised Kosovo's independence on 9 October, 2008, one day after the UN General Assembly accepted Serbia's draft resolution placing the unilaterally proclaimed independence of Kosovo within the jurisdiction of the ICJ. The same night, Serbia threw Montenegro's ambassador to Belgrade out of the country.

Marovic defended his country's decision to recognise Kosovo. "So we did what we had to protect the European objectives and perspectives of Montenegro. We understand Serbia's sensitivity (on the issue), and we count on Serbia to understand us," Marovic pointed out.

Serbia's Ambassador to Podgorica Zoran Lutovac has requested Montenegro to postpone the establishment of diplomatic relations with Kosovo until the ICJ comes to a conclusion. Friday is the last day of the ICJ hearings and judges are expected to deliver their opinion in a few months time.

Earlier this week, Jeremic warned Montenegro that his country will react with "appropriate measures" if Pogorica establishes diplomatic relations with Kosovo.

Meanwhile, Montenegrin media reported that Azem Vllasi will be the first Kosovo ambassador to Montenegro once Podgorica establishes diplomatic relations with the country.

Marovic reiterated that his country "sincerely cares about the best relations with Serbia."

"Montenegro and Serbia are the closest to one another (...) This closeness will not endanger the different temptations through which we pass. Montenegro and Serbia are still on the road of building new relationships, the way towards the European future of our region. Montenegro and Serbia need to understand and help each other when can and when it is real, and not to look into the past anymore but to the future," the deputy prime minister said.