Juratović: Protests under the guise of faith are misused for nationalistic interests

SARAJevo, (Patria) - In the Western Balkans, everything has a political connotation, so protests, often under the guise of religious issues and faith, are misused to express nationalistic ideologies and interests, said German Bundestag member Josip Juratović in an interview with Montenegro's Pobjeda.

"Germany will continue to strive to keep the promise made to the Western Balkans regarding the prospect of joining the European Union. This is because the credibility of the EU is read through this, but it is also a clear factor of security and a signal for peace and prosperity in the region and in Europe. Therefore, Germany will continue to advocate with all its might for the accession of the Western Balkans to the EU," Juratović stated.

When asked what he expects from the EU Council meeting next month? Support for North Macedonia and Albania to open negotiations or another postponement, Juratović answers: "I am convinced that the EU Council, based on the new methodology, will propose to the Commission to give the green light to North Macedonia and Albania, and that France, the Netherlands, and Denmark will finally support this proposal. I believe that the green light for North Macedonia and Albania is very important to move forward as a first step on the path to EU accession and to reward the efforts made so far in the form of reforms by these two countries for EU accession.

"The Law on Freedom of Religion respects fundamental human rights, which are the foundations of a democratic system, and therefore this law is self-explanatory. But since we are witnessing that everything in the Western Balkans has a political connotation, so protests, often under the guise of religious issues and faith, are misused to express nationalistic ideologies and interests," Juratović answered Pobjeda, responding to a question about Montenegro's Law on Freedom of Religion.