Following talks with Montenegrin officials and political party leaders US Special Envoy and Coordinator for the Global Engagement Center James Rubin said in Podgorica he was confident that Montenegro would not turn to Belgrade and Moscow again.
Rubin told a press briefing in Podgorica, where he began his visit to the region, that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has changed the circumstances in the region and that now everyone’s eyes are wide open.
“If would be good if Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC) believers would remember that Ukrainians are also Orthodox and that they are the victims in this war,” said Rubin.
The more this is understood, the more people in the Western Balkans will be able to distinguish between Serbian and Russian interests, said Rubin, adding that Moscow would not like to see the relations between Serbia and Kosovo normalize.
Rubin said Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic is working on normalization with Kosovo officials, adding that this is not something Russian President Vladimir Putin asked for or wanted.
Asked how Montenegro can fight disinformation, having in mind the strong influence of Belgrade and the Serbian Orthodox Church, the US official said maximum efforts should be made to combat disinformation.
He explained that all channels spreading disinformation should be blocked, that there need to be regulations. He said people need to respect freedom of speech, they are entitled to their opinion and they have the right to report on that.
Finding the line between freedom of media and dangerous disinformation is the problem, said Rubin, adding that this is difficult but possible.
He expressed hope that fighting disinformation would be the new Montenegrin authorities’ priority, noting that they understand how important that is.
The US official said it will be difficult to make progress in the Western Balkans if Russian disinformation dominates that space.
In addition to Montenegro, from April 10 to 14 Rubin will also visit North Macedonia and Albania for talks with senior government officials on disinformation, said the US Department of State.
Rubin was US Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs and Chief Spokesman for Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright and is visiting the region for the first time after 23 years.
