Đukanović: We do not accept the "Serbianization" of Montenegro

(Patria) - Montenegro needs its own Orthodox church to avoid interference from Serbia and strengthen its identity, said Montenegrin President Milo Đukanović for AFP.

Đukanović accused the Serbian Orthodox Church of undermining his efforts to consolidate the country's 14-year independence.

"The Serbian Orthodox Church is among the important instruments used by ideologues of Greater Serbian nationalism against Montenegro, against Montenegrin independence, against its national, cultural, and religious identity," Đukanović said. 

For Đukanović, the creation of a separate church is the next logical step after the restoration of Montenegro's independence.

"We are guided by the undeniable need to complete the spiritual, state, and social infrastructure that will strengthen citizens' awareness of their own identity. We do not accept the idea of the 'Serbianization' of Montenegro," Đukanović stated, among other things, explaining that his opponents are mistaken if they expect him to hand over power without elections.