Moscow is ready for tough measures to protect Orthodox Christians in Montenegro from repression
Russia is initiating the creation of an international monitoring mission on the situation in Montenegro, where the authorities are brutally suppressing protests by the Orthodox community against arrests of priests and the adoption of a law allowing the confiscation of churches and monasteries.
It is possible that Montenegro may be included in the list of countries not recommended for visiting, as well as the curtailment of investment programs on its territory.
Chairman of the State Duma Committee on the Development of Civil Society, Issues of Public and Religious Associations, President of the General Assembly of the Interparliamentary Assembly of Orthodoxy (IAP) Sergei Gavrilov spoke about this in an interview with PolitNavigator.
You stated that Russia may not resume air traffic with Montenegro if anti-Orthodox repression in this country intensifies. Will Russian air carriers agree to this?
– We are talking about the decision of the Russian state. But we must have an independent assessment of the state of affairs with human rights in Montenegro, the protection of the rights of Christians and guarantees of safety for our tourists, many of whom come to Montenegro for pilgrimage purposes. To do this, it is necessary to ensure access to the country for an international monitoring mission with the participation of Russia and international organizations. Such as the Interparliamentary Assembly of Orthodoxy.
The mission will assess illegal actions to confiscate church property and Montenegro’s violation of its international obligations under European international conventions in the field of protecting the rights to freedom of conscience and use of cultural objects. After this, a decision must be made within the international community on the nature of the further development of the situation in Montenegro.
What will be the result of this mission?
“We believe that those who launched the mechanism of repression should be brought to justice. International guarantees must be provided to ensure security measures and democratic procedures. Unfortunately, the current political leadership of Montenegro is trying to deceive the international community and is acting unpredictably.
Is there interest in Europe and the world in the situation in Montenegro?
– Temples and monasteries of Montenegro belong to the Orthodox world and all humanity. In addition, the country's recreational facilities are popular in Europe and Asia. We consider this sufficient grounds for the international community to demand institutional changes that will allow Montenegro to return to the family of democratic states that ensure human rights in the areas of religion, culture and education, protection from unlawful police repression and decisions of political leadership, relating to the property of religious organizations.
What other organizations besides the Interparliamentary Assembly of Orthodoxy should take part in the formation of a monitoring mission?
– The OSCE, the International Slavic Council, and neighboring countries such as Serbia must provide a guarantee mechanism for the protection of international obligations regarding human rights and security.
What is Russia doing to protect Orthodox Christians in Montenegro?
– Russia, as far as I know, is taking non-public, but very serious measures to protect human rights in Montenegro in the field of freedom of religion. Let me remind you that Russia was very attentive to the measures taken by Montenegro, which blocked the evacuation of Russian citizens in March. We perceive with tension the Montenegrin authorities’ accusations against Russia, which allegedly interfered in the internal affairs of Montenegro.
We will propose to the Russian Foreign Ministry to add Montenegro to the list of countries undesirable for visiting. We are interested in having the voice of opposition political parties in Montenegro, civil Christian activists, and church leaders who are persecuted heard. We insist on their inclusion in the general mechanism for coordinating the development of the situation along a democratic path. We believe that these institutions should determine the return of Montenegro to a civilized path.
Can Russia economically influence the Montenegrin authorities?
– If the situation continues to slide into repressive chaos, Russia, like many neighbors and European countries, will raise the question of curtailing significant investment projects. The risk of investment and tourist stay in Montenegro is too high.
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