Podgorica, (MINA) – The security situation in Montenegro is stable and reforms in the defense sector are progressing at the desired pace despite certain setbacks at the political level, said Defense Minister Dragan Krapovic, adding that the results are visible both in the country and internationally.

 

He made this remark in the Parliament on Thursday, responding to a question from the Democratic People’s Party (DNP) MP Vladislav Bojovic, who asked whether Krapovic’s relationship with President Jakov Milatovic affected the security situation in Montenegro and functioning of the institutions.

 

Bojovic referred to Krapovic’s disputes with Milatovic over the appointments and promotions in the Army of Montenegro, but also pointed to the situation in the Defense and Security Council, stating that this important body “suffers from a lack of quorum”.

 

Krapovic reiterated that he is not a member of the Defense and Security Council and that he attends the sessions only by invitation, stressing that the sessions were held every time they were scheduled appropriately.

 

“My communication with Milatovic is exclusively institutional and I would not bring it under the personal level”, Krapovic pointed out.

 

According to Krapovic, it is true that Milatovic had persistently tried to influence personnel decisions, but that he, as a member of the Government with clearly defined responsibilities, could not allow that.

 

“Certainly, the vetting process and personnel policy and appointments will continue, which reflect my vision of the defense system”, said Krapovic, adding that it is one of the most important processes in the country.

 

Asked by Bojovic about the security situation in the country, Krapovic said that the overall security situation is stable.

 

“Regardless of the fact that there were certain setbacks at the political level, the situation is good, the reforms are progressing at the desired pace, and the results are clearly visible both in Montenegro and internationally”, said Krapovic.

 

European Alliance MP Nikola Zirojevic asked Krapovic about his alleged connections with organized criminal groups and claims that he had disclosed information to their members, as well as whether it was appropriate for him to continue serving as Minister of Defense if there were such suspicions.

 

Krapovic said that these are notorious lies, similar to others directed against him, as well as other colleagues from his party.

 

He said that campaigns against him are fabricated by members of criminal clans, social media accounts, certain media outlets, but also certain MPs.

 

Asked by Zirojevic why he did not speak out regarding the published transcript and the allegation that he had shared confidential information, Krapovic said that he had no intention to engage in dispute with, as he described, “avatars and convicted persons”.

 

He said that Zirojevic was compromised in terms of intelligence and security and that his involvement in services and bodies dealing with security sector could pose a risk.

 

“Your presence in these institutions is a problem and we will address it”, Krapovic said, adding that Zirojevic was “stimulated” to act in this manner.

 

Zirojevic responded to Krapovic that they would further discuss the accusations against him before the court and other competent authorities.