Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović used his address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York to call for accountability and respect for international court judgments, saying lasting reconciliation in the Western Balkans cannot be built on denial, selective justice or the glorification of convicted war criminals.
Although he did not explicitly name Serbia in the quoted remarks, Milatović’s comments came amid renewed regional debate following the death and burial of former Bosnian Serb military commander Ratko Mladić, who was convicted by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia of genocide, crimes against humanity and violations of the laws and customs of war. His life sentence was upheld on appeal in 2021.
“Lasting reconciliation cannot be based on denial, a selective approach to justice or the glorification of those convicted of war crimes,” Milatović said. He stressed that reconciliation requires respect for international court judgments and equal dignity for every victim, regardless of identity or origin.
The Montenegrin president said the Western Balkans had carried the burden of divisions for too long and argued that the current generation has a responsibility to contribute to reconciliation, regional connectivity, democratic resilience and the European future of the region.
Montenegro Targets EU Membership by 2028
Milatović also highlighted Montenegro’s European integration process, saying EU membership represents not only a destination for the country but a path based on shared values.
He reiterated Montenegro’s goal of joining the European Union by 2028, saying the country’s generation has a responsibility to complete that path and demonstrate that the Balkans can move beyond its old divisions.
“ Our generation has the responsibility to complete Montenegro’s European path by 2028 and show that the Balkans can leave old divisions behind, while leaving future generations with more opportunities than we had,” Milatović said.
Montenegro is marking 20 years of UN membership this year. The country joined the United Nations in June 2006 and is now a NATO member pursuing EU membership.
Milatović Calls for Protection of Civilians in Gaza
Addressing the situation in the Middle East, Milatović said the international community’s responsibility in Gaza begins with protecting human lives and ensuring unimpeded humanitarian assistance.
He said Israelis have the right to lasting security, while Palestinians have the right to dignity, freedom and a viable state.
Montenegro supports a two-state solution under which Israel and an independent Palestinian state would coexist peacefully and securely, based on mutual recognition, he said.
Milatović also said the disarmament of Hamas remains an important element of any sustainable agreement and stressed that the process must be grounded in international humanitarian law.
He concluded by warning against applying double standards to human dignity and international law, regardless of the historical origins of conflicts.
