Montenegrin police sent 87 Serbian citizens, who came to the country by charter flight before the critical European Union (EU)-Western Balkans Summit to be held on June 5, back to Serbia due to security risks.
While Montenegro was preparing for the European Union (EU)-Western Balkans Summit, which will be held on June 5 and is considered the largest international event in the modern history of the country, a remarkable development took place in the field of security.
Before the summit, Montenegrin police did not allow 87 Serbian citizens, who were described as “secret guards of (Serbian President Aleksandar) Vucic” in the news in the regional press, to enter the country.
In the statement made by the Montenegrin police, it was stated that border and security checks were increased before the summit, which is critical for the country that aims to become an EU member in 2028, and said, “In this context, a charter flight between Belgrade and Tivat was subjected to detailed control. 87 Serbian citizens came to Montenegro with the flight in question.”
In the statement, it was stated that, within the framework of intelligence and operational data, it was determined that the presence of Serbian citizens on the plane on Montenegrin territory “could pose a risk in terms of internal security and national security.”
“A procedure will be initiated to ban people from entering Montenegro in the coming period.”
The Montenegrin police stated that 87 male individuals were not allowed to enter Montenegro after the procedures and said, “The individuals in question were sent back to Serbia on the same plane. In the statement, the procedure will also be initiated to take decisions to ban these individuals from entering and being in Montenegro in the future.”
The statement also stated that Serbian citizens, who were not allowed to enter Montenegro, were carrying giant banners saying “Serbia is winning”, long-distance communication devices and a marine radio station on the plane.
“Uninvited guests” characterization from the Montenegrin press
In the Montenegrin media, it was stated that most of the 87 Serbian citizens who were kept under control at the airport in the coastal city of Tivat since the morning hours were recorded by the security authorities as “security risk” persons.
It was stated in the news that an investigation lasting hours was carried out about the “intruders” who came here just before the EU Summit. It was noted that after the information collected, these people were not allowed to enter the country.
“We are faced with a situation where criminal organizations come together in Montenegro”
In his speech in the parliament yesterday, Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajic talked about external actors and organized crime groups trying to hinder his country’s path to EU membership. Spajic said, “For the first time in Montenegro, we are faced with a situation where geopolitical actors and criminal organizations acting against Montenegro’s European path come together. We have opened our eyes wide.”
Montenegrin media had announced that more than 1,500 police personnel from different units would provide security for the summit in Tivat.
Many leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, are expected to attend the summit to be held in Tivat on June 5. – PODGORICA
