Ćorović on relocating the School of Diplomacy: It is not about hostility toward the tricolour flag, but about respecting the law
The laws of Montenegro are very clear. Even if there were legal grounds for it, this flag could not have been displayed at the event in Berane under Article 10 of the Law on the Selection, Use and Public Display of National Symbols, because it was a scientific gathering organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the display of national symbols at such events is explicitly prohibited - Ćorović stressed
When it comes to the relocation of the School of Diplomacy from Berane to Cetinje, it is not a matter of hostility toward the tricolour flag or anything similar, but solely a matter of respecting the laws of Montenegro. The real question is not why the school was moved from Berane to Cetinje, but why institutions in Berane fail to comply with the laws of this country, said a Member of Parliament from the Bosniak Party (BS), Jasmin Ćorović.
As a reminder, the 19th International Summer School for Young Diplomats „Gavro Vuković“ was officially opened yesterday in Cetinje instead of Berane.
Speaking during today’s parliamentary session, Ćorović emphasized that the laws are very clear.
- The Constitution of Montenegro, in the section entitled „State Symbols“, stipulates that Montenegro has a coat of arms, a flag and a national anthem. The Law on State Symbols and Statehood Day of Montenegro defines these symbols, as well as the manner of their use and protection. Furthermore, Article 10 of this law prohibits the use of national symbols, among other occasions, during international political, scientific, cultural, artistic, sporting and other events organized by public authorities, as well as at gatherings where Montenegro is being represented - Ćorović stated.
According to him, there is no legal basis for the use or display of the tricolour flag in this case.
- Even if there were such a basis, this flag could not have been displayed at the event in Berane pursuant to Article 10 of the Law on the Selection, Use and Public Display of National Symbols, because it was a scientific gathering organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the display of national symbols at such events is expressly prohibited - Ćorović said.
Ćorović insisted that the issue is solely one of compliance with the law and that the question is not why the school was relocated from Berane to Cetinje, but why certain individuals do not respect the laws of Montenegro.
He also stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had requested that the Municipality of Berane remove the tricolour flag and leave only the state flag displayed, as prescribed by law.
- Since that did not happen, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs acted strictly in accordance with the law - Ćorović concluded.
In previous years, the school had traditionally been opened in Berane.