Podgorica, (MINA) – For the first time since the end of the Second World War, Serbs are part of the government in Montenegro, said Montenegrin Parliament Speaker and leader of the New Serbian Democracy (NSD) Andrija Mandic, adding that some still want to degrade the Serbian people in Montenegro to the status of second-class citizens.

 

Speaking at the assembly of the United Srpska party in Banja Luka, Mandic said that his address is a symbol of the strong cooperation between the Serbian people and their political representatives that cannot be broken by anyone, “because we share the same culture, same church and nation”.

 

According to the press release by NSD, he said that his job is not to seek enemies, but friends.

 

“And to believe that every man and every nation is stronger by increasing the number of its friends and reducing the number of enemies”, said Mandic.

 

He said that this is why he decided to promote and strengthen support for ideas aimed at improving the lives, development and progress of the Serbian people in Montenegro, especially the youth, through tolerance and understanding.

 

“Ultimately, it is my job and my national duty, and my responsibility, because even today many seek to degrade the Serbian people in Montenegro to the status of second-class citizens, and some wish to subject us once again to the administration of Milo Djukanovic and his DPS”, assessed Mandic.

 

He said that “we were democratically elected by the people, our Serbian people and citizens of Montenegro”.

 

“To represent and defend their interests. Not to retreat, but to participate in decision-making process that directly affect their lives”, Mandic said.

 

He said that he firmly believes that a policy of reconciliation is the right path and that it can be healing for the entire turbulent, suffering region.

 

“Of course, there are many issues that the Serbian people in Montenegro should address and resolve together with their allies from the majority population”, added Mandic.

 

He added that this is easier and more realistic to achieve this through the cooperation with the majority than by “waiting for mercy as a degraded minority”.