U.S. Ambassador to Montenegro: Former Democratic Front Members Are Not Our Partners

U.S. Ambassador in Podgorica Judy Rising Reinke (BETAPHOTO/Wikipedia)

In an interview for the Voice of America aired on June 23, U.S. Ambassador in Podgorica Judy Rising Reinke said that Washington does not see a partner in the pro-Serbian For the Future of Montenegro coalition, comprised of the members of the former Democratic Front.

While the coalition’s leaders maintain such a position represents the U.S. meddling in the sovereignty of Montenegro and electoral will of its people, Reinke dismissed these claims as “inflammatory and unfounded.”

“The For the Future of Montenegro coalition does not share our European values or the goals we as the United States have clearly set. We don’t see them as partners. As for their comments on meddling, I’ve seen all sorts of more worrisome meddling in the form of malignant influences which are far more concerning,” Reinke said.

According to her, the U.S. expects Montenegro to form a stable, “inclusive” government “committed to Euro-Atlantic values and reforms” as soon as possible. Meanwhile the opposition, she said, needs to “be constructive and recognize its role” in meeting EU accession criteria.

At Montenegro’s June 11 parliamentary elections no single party or coalition won enough votes to form a government independently. The most mandates – 24 out of 81 – were secured by the populist Europe Now movement, which should be initiating formal negotiations on the future Cabinet over the next few days. So far, Europe Now has rejected the possibility of talks with the Democratic Party of Socialists and incumbent Prime Minister Dritan Abazovic’s United Reform Action, but has left the door open to negotiations with the For the Future of Montenegro coalition, headed by Milan Knezevic.