Podgorica, (MINA) – The failed coup attempt against Montenegro in 2016 was one of the most outrageous examples of Russia’s attempts to undermine European democracy, said British Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt.
He said that in a statement that the UK Embassy in Montenegro presented to the media.
The Embassy reiterated that the judicial authorities of Montenegro have announced that two Russian intelligence officers have been found guilty of plotting an attempted coup in Montenegro, which took place in 2016.
According to them, GRU agents Eduard Shishmakov and Vladimir Popov were tried in absentia for creating a criminal organization and attempted terrorism. Shishmakov was also tried for inciting acts against the constitution and safety of Montenegro.
It is stated in Hunts statement that the GRU’s brazen attempt to interfere with Montenegro’s national elections and undermine Montenegro’s application to join NATO is yet another example of destabilizing and aggressive Russian behavior over the last decade.
“The guilty verdicts announced today against the two Russian intelligence officers responsible for plotting this coup were the conclusion of Montenegrin legal proceedings of unprecedented transparency”, said Hunt.
“Russia is a great country and central to European civilization. Moscow must desist from any attacks that undermine the territorial integrity and democratic processes of its neighbors or other sovereign states”, Hunt continues.
According to him, the UK calls on Russia to choose a different path:
“To uphold the security of Europe, respect the rules based international system that keeps our societies safe, and to work together with us to fulfil our common responsibilities as permanent members of the UN Security Council”, said Hunt.
Longer version of article is available on a link MINA ENGLISH SERVIS
