(left) Zijad Bećirović, Srđan Darmanović, Bakhatyar Aljaf (right)
PRESS RELEASE
LJUBLJANA, March 8, 2017 - The Director of the International Institute for Middle-East and Balkan Studies (IFIMES) Dr. Zijad Bećirović and Bakhatyar Aljaf today received at the institute Prof. Dr. Srđan Darmanović, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Montenegro, accompanied by the Ambassador of Montenegro to the Republic of Slovenia, Dr. Miomir Mugoša and Honorary Consul Vojislav Kovač.
Directors of the Institute presented to the minister Dr. Darmanović the activities of the Institute in the regions of the Balkans and the Middle East with special emphasis on Montenegro and its path to NATO and the EU and also other current political and security developments. Special attention was given to projects that are related to the security of the EU and the refugee/migrant crisis. IFIMES has strengthened its operations in Montenegro, especially due to the increase of Russian influence and Russian elements who are trying to destabilize Montenegro and disable its full membership in NATO and, consequently, also in the EU. Montenegro has become a leader in the region regarding the approaching membership in NATO and the EU and will for surely become the next new member of the EU. Currently, the greatest challenge to peace and stability in the region are developments in Macedonia. It is extremely important that as soon as possible the new government of the Republic of Macedonia is formed and undertake peaceful transition of power on the part of thenew coalition. Dr. Darmanović outlined the main priorities of Montenegrin foreign policy and current events in the country. He pointed out the efforts of the new government of Montenegro to peace and stability in Montenegro and the Western Balkan region, which is passing through a difficult period of tensions and the many uncertainties that may jeopardize the fragile peace and stability in the long term. They agreed that the provision of security and peace and finding the solution for the refugee/migrant crisis is crucial for the EU, while it must adhere to high standards with regard to human rights provided and maintained by the EU.
Ljubljana, 8 March 2017
