Ex-Envoy: Vučić Used Scandal to Derail Tivat Summit, Hide Key Issues

Former Serbian Ambassador to Montenegro, Zoran Lutovac, has accused President Aleksandar Vučić of deliberately overshadowing a significant summit in Tivat by focusing on a scandal. Lutovac asserted that Vučić used the "Charter affair" and a BIA warning about his safety to divert attention from crucial topics and project Serbian power.

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The "Charter affair" succeeded in overshadowing the significance of the summit in Tivat, and President Aleksandar Vučić once again imposed a marginal issue, brought a scandal to the forefront, and covered up all important topics.

Lutovac described the events as a "charade" designed for both domestic and international consumption. He noted that while Montenegro's government reacted appropriately by deporting individuals causing trouble, the incident still dominated attention. He criticized the BIA's public warning about Vučić's safety as an "unbelievable political abuse" of the institution.

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In fact, it showed something else. Instead of humiliating Montenegro in that way, he humiliated us, the citizens of Serbia, and he humiliated himself.

The former ambassador argued that Serbia should not retaliate against ordinary citizens for Montenegro's actions. He suggested Vučić may not have anticipated the negative political fallout from sending a charter flight, though he acknowledged that personal security concerns, real or perceived, could be a motive. Lutovac stressed that Serbia's interest lies in a stable Montenegro pursuing EU membership, a goal he believes is contrary to Vučić's personal political interests.

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The whole charade that preceded the departure, the public statement of the BIA, in which the BIA warns the public that Vučić could risk his life if he goes to Montenegro, that is an unbelievable political abuse of such an institution.

Lutovac further contended that Vučić's personal agenda hinders Serbia's progress toward the EU. He stated that the president benefits from a lack of rule of law, judicial independence, free media, and fair elections, as these conditions would lead to his loss of power. He also touched upon differing interpretations in Montenegro regarding the 1918 Podgorica Assembly and the role of the Serbian army.

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Vučić did not count on bad political consequences.