Croatia Minister Slams Podgorica: 'They Should Be Last to Speak of Jasenovac, Only Deepening Conflict'

From Zagreb, we view Montenegro's recent parliamentary actions regarding the Jasenovac memorial with deep concern and disappointment. While Croatia consistently honors the victims of the Ustaše regime, as our Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman rightly pointed out, the sincerity of Montenegro's political circles in this endeavor is questionable.

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All Croatian institutions every year pay tribute to the victims of the Ustaše regime during World War II.

Minister Grlić Radman's statement highlights a critical disconnect. Those in Montenegro who now seek to commemorate Jasenovac are the same ones who align with a Chetnik heritage and, alarmingly, deny the genocide in Srebrenica. This is not a genuine act of remembrance; it is a politically motivated maneuver designed to exacerbate existing tensions between our two nations. It is disingenuous to invoke the suffering at Jasenovac while simultaneously disregarding other historical atrocities.

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It is necessary and morally obligatory.

Furthermore, Montenegro must not forget its own role in regional conflicts during the 1990s. The attacks on Dubrovnik and the atrocities committed at the Morinj camp are indelible parts of that history. As Montenegro aspires to join the European Union, it must demonstrate a genuine commitment to the EU's principles of good neighborly relations and reconciliation. This includes confronting its own "dark past" rather than using historical events for divisive political purposes.

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They have the least right to talk about Jasenovac because they identify with the Chetnik heritage, but also deny the genocide in Srebrenica.

This situation is particularly galling from a Croatian perspective. We have always advocated for regional stability and cooperation. Montenegro's actions, however, seem to prioritize internal political gains over fostering genuine understanding and healing. The resolution on Jasenovac, passed without broad consensus and amidst opposition warnings of it being a Serbian provocation, underscores the problematic nature of this initiative. Croatia, as a member of the EU, expects a more mature and responsible approach from a country seeking accession.

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These circles do not act sincerely and do not pay tribute to the victims, but primarily act in the interest of their policies, which aim to deepen political divisions and sharpen relations between Montenegro and Croatia.