Montenegrin Government: Protecting Country's Reputation from Malevolent Individuals

The Montenegrin government stated on Nov. 1 that there were no lists of unwanted persons and that the relevant state bodies make assessments, in each individual case, which persons with their activities might jeopardize the protected interests of Montenegro and its citizens.

Commenting on media reports about the ban on entering Montenegro for certain Serbian intellectuals, the government stated that making security assessments in connection with particular events and activities of individuals who might jeopardize the national security and state interests of Montenegro, that is undermine its reputation and dignity, was the permanent obligation of the security services. The Montenegrin government also stated that any other responsible government, anywhere in the world, would do the same.

The police has issued the order which banned several Serbian intellectuals, including writer Matija Beckovic, from entering Montenegro.

"Besides Beckovic, entry is being denied to historians Cedomir Antic and Aleksandar Rakovic, and to Serbian politician and jurist Dejan Mirovic," the Dan paper was told by the Border Police.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic stated on Nov. 1 that Interior Minister Nebojsa Stefanovic received confirmation from Montenegrin colleagues that Beckovic, Antic, Rakovic and Mirovic were banned from entering Montenegro.