Tit-for-tat between Podgorica and Belgrade continues, both say nothing political

In the strongest reaction so far following the recent deterioration of the relations between Belgrade and Podgorica, Markovic said that “all attacks… are in vain,” as were, he added, those “we faced in 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000, and then in 2006 and 2016.”

He referred to the problems between the two during the rule of the late Slobodan Milosevic and later when Serbia and Montenegro were together in a joint state after other republics that formed former Yugoslavia seceded, and then following Podgorica’s declaration of independence and its recognition of Kosovo’s independence.

Montenegro's ambassador to Serbia Tarzan Milosevic said on Tuesday the decision on border opening for some countries had not been finalised yet and that before the decision would take effect on June 1, the borders might be opened for other states providing they met the medical conditions in the meantime.

 But Belgrade immediately reacted to Podgorica’s decision not to include Serbia's nationals on the list of those allowed to Montenegro.

Serbia’s Prime Minister Ana Brnabic blasted Podgorica for the move and even called on Serbia’s people not to go where they were not welcomed, alluding to tourists from the country who were used to spend summer holiday in the tiny Adriatic republic.

She said on Tuesday her cabinet would not introduce any retaliatory measures, but soon after, Serbia banned flights of the Montenegro flag carrier Montenegro Airlines (MA).

And like Markovic, Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic said the decision was not political and added the ban on MA flights was the “most elegant and most decent way to respond to their decision.”

Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic blamed Montenegro of provoking conflict.

Later on Wednesday, Dacic reiterated the ban on MA flights was not a political decision nor was it reciprocity, but did not say what it was. He added that Montenegrins could drive to Serbia, or fly on board of some other airline.

The previous dispute between Belgrade and Podgorica was caused by Serbia’s reaction to Montenegro’s Law on Religious Freedom, which, according to Belgrade, was an attempt to take over the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC) property in Montenegro.

Podgorica said it wanted to regulate the property and other religious issues. Orthodox church in Montenegro is not autocephalous and is under the SPC jurisdiction.

The tensions later rose again when SPC clergy held services to mark St. Vasilije Day which were attended by thousands across Montenegro despite the ban on gatherings during the coronavirus pandemic.

A bishop and several priests were detained for violating the ban and released after 72 hours.

Some intellectuals and opposition politicians on both sides warned about the danger of such tensions and called on the authorities to calm the situation down.

Serbs and Montenegrins are considered brotherly nations, sharing much of the history and the same religion. Some Montenegrins consider themselves of a Serb origin and are confronted with others who deny such heritage.