In a statement, the Ministry of Defense emphasized that such a message is particularly problematic, and that any form of refusal or obstruction of lawful orders will be severely punished.
"The message was very clear and stated in a tone that all those who violate orders, who work according to the political agenda of the former regime, and today's opposition will allegedly be rewarded when the government changes. It is particularly worrying that such statements can give the impression that there is a desirable or undesirable political or national orientation within the Army, although all its members are under one flag, the flag of Montenegro. It is also known that the activities and performance of service in the Army of Montenegro are legally determined by the Constitution, the Law on the Army of Montenegro, by-laws, internal rules and the Code of Military Ethics," the statement said.
They emphasize that it is a notorious fact that every member of the Army of Montenegro has the same rights, the same obligations, and that, with a number of dishonorable exceptions, all are unconditionally loyal to Montenegro.
"This is a dangerous message, especially when it is heard in the highest legislative house of Montenegro, which is that allegedly some, for acting according to the political agenda of the opposition, will be rewarded when there is a change of government. Dangerous because the essence of this message is clear, considering the fact that it is actually a call to resist legal orders issued by authorized professional military personnel, which means only one thing, and that is a call for a coup. The Ministry of Defense appeals to these participants in political debates in public to think carefully about what they say and what messages they send to members of the armed forces and, more importantly, to not allow themselves to be led in the future by political passions to utter and send such inappropriate public messages," they said in a statement.
The Ministry of Defense guarantees the citizens of Montenegro that no form of refusal or obstruction of lawful orders will be tolerated, but will be most severely sanctioned, without delay, decisively and in accordance with the Constitution and laws of Montenegro.
