Podgorica, (MINA) - President Jakov Milatovic presented on Wednesday in Cetinje state awards to individuals who have left a lasting mark on the development, international affirmation and preservation of the values ​​of modern Montenegro, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the restoration of independence,. 

“Speaking about the importance of the ceremony, the President said that the jubilee of the restoration of independence is an opportunity for the state to express its gratitude to those who, through their work, talent and dedication, affirmed Montenegro in the country and the world”, the press release says.

According to the press release, Milatovic awarded posthumously the Order of Montenegrin Independence to Branko Lukovac, former Montenegrin Minister of Foreign Affairs and coordinator of the Movement for an Independent and European Montenegro. 

He emphasized that Lukovac, as the coordinator of the Movement for an Independent and European Montenegro, made an immeasurable contribution to the restoration of Montenegrin independence in the 2006 referendum and contributed to the peaceful and dignified end of that historic process.

Milatovic posthumously decorated Don Branko Sbutega, humanist, writer, Catholic priest and one of the most significant cultural creators of contemporary Montenegro, with the Order of the Montenegrin Flag 1st degree,. 

The Order of the Montenegrin Flag 2nd degree was awarded to the celebrated Montenegrin basketball player Nikola Vucevic for his exceptional sport achievements and contribution to the affirmation of Montenegro in the world, as well as to the music group Perper for decades of contribution to Montenegrin culture and music, and to Jovanka Radicevic, one of the greatest athletes in the history of Montenegro.