New Montenegro Govt. refers Kosovo with status neutral asterisk

English

Gazeta Express

08/12/2020 16:58

Media in Montenegro call as scandalous the fact that newly appointed minister of Health, Jelena Boronovic-Bojovic, in a document on anti-COVID—19 measures refers Kosovo using the asterisk a reference to its status-neutrality, despite the fact that Montenegro has recognised Kosovo’s independence.  

Previous government of Montenegro in its official documents has never referred Kosovo with the footnote. The new Government in Podgorica led by Zdravko Krivokapic, whereas his deputy is an Albanian – Dritan Abazovic, who was decisive in ousting Milo Djukanovic’s party from power. Abazovic pledged that Podgorica’s position towards Kosovo will not change.

Representation of Kosovo with the footnote is the result of a 2012 agreement reached between Kosovo and Serbia allowing Kosovo to represent its institutions in regional forums. The Agreement on Regional Representation and Cooperation states that Kosovo shall be referenced at regional meetings and in regional agreements with an asterisk and a footnote reading “This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.” /GazetaExpress/