Vice President of the Parliament of Montenegro Mr Suljo Mustafić is visiting the United States of America on the occasion of marking a decade of Montenegro’s independence, where he is a guest of honour of the Culture Center “Rumija” from Chicago.

On the occasion of meeting several hundred members of the Association, Mr Mustafić pointed out the value that Montenegro had shown as a society, which was maturity to be able to make even the most difficult and the most complicated decisions, on which there were varying opinions, in a civilised manner.

- In that same manner in which in the nineties, despite temptations, it managed to keep peace and international harmony and stability, in this great decision of the civil referendum as well, special contribution was contribution given by members of minorities, points out Mr Mustafić.

Mr Mustafić said that the contribution of our emigrants was especially significant and that it was a very large number for encouraging the historic decision.

- Let us recall that more than sixteen thousand people from diaspora participated in and contributed to this process. From the USA - Chicago, New York, and many other cities, hundreds of people came to participate in this great event. That immeasurable contribution must not be and will not be forgotten. By this you basically confirmed what you have been all those years before - patriots, humanists, friends of your homeland, loyal to your country, and its best ambassadors. You never asked anything in return for that, except for a little bit of attention which was often lacking, emphasised Mr Mustafić.

He reminded that today our country was only a step from full-fledged membership to the NATO Alliance. He said that 22 chapters had been opened in negotiations with the European Union, and also pointed out that Montenegro went the furthest out of all countries in the Balkans on that path, and that it was referred to as a country of stability, important for the region, from all the international addresses.

- We are aware that we live in the Balkans, where the transition processes have been lasting for more than two decades. The problems of our country, such as unemployment, corruption, and crime, are a general occurrence in that region. However, that must not discourage us from being different and better, more progressive than others in resolving these problems. We must build institutions and strengthen them. We must fight to make the law above everyone, and that individuals cannot be above the state and its institutions. We must strengthen the rule of law, if we want to have better results in the years to come, if we want to have better standard and greater stability, points out Mr Mustafić.

The Vice President was convinced that our partners both from Europe and especially from the USA supported the democratic processes, reforms, and strengthening of the rule of law, and added that this support committed us to achieving better results.

- The NATO Alliance, whose future full-fledged 29th member will be Montenegro even as of the following year, represents a guarantee of sovereignty in the field of security. That is also a good framework offering long-term stability for all our citizens, but also good prospects for economic development. It is up to us as to how much we will use the opportunity given to us, to strengthen our system of institutions and the rule of law, but also economic substance, adds Mr Mustafić.

- I am certain that in the upcoming years, your support in progressive and positive processes will not be lacking. But, at the same time, your expectations are justified that the state through its institutions, much more than before, takes care of its emigrants. Primarily, of their needs for preserving their own identity, cultural, national, linguistic, and religious.  We expect that Montenegro would show an even greater sensibility for building a society of democracy, tolerance, and respect for civilisational differences, concludes Mr Mustafić.

At the event of marking ten years of Montenegro’s independence in Chicago, the following spoke: President of the Management Board of Culture Centre “Rumija” Mr Asim Ćubić, member of the Association Mr Fadil Redžović, member of the Parliament of Montenegro Mr Goran Tuponja, and consul of Montenegro at New York Mr Amer Cikotić, and, among others, the following also attended: Honorary Consul Mr Edin Seferović, and  member of the Council for Cooperation with Emigrants from Chicago Mr Senad Perazić.

In the upcoming days, Mr Mustafić will have meetings with representatives of emigrants’ associations and businessmen who live and work in Chicago.