Podgorica. The contract that governs her relationship Government of Montenegro with mighty Serbian Orthodox Church Podgorica signed yesterday, arguing that the deal would help heal deep rifts between pro-European parties and supporters of stronger relations with Serbia and Russia. The government’s initiative has been criticized by human rights organizations and political parties in Montenegro, arguing that the agreement gives the Orthodox Church excessive powers compared to other faiths. The contract was signed by Prime Minister of Montenegro Dritan Abazovich and Serbian Patriarch Porfiry. The signing ceremony at a state-owned mansion on the outskirts of Podgorica took place without prior announcement from the government and without the presence of journalists. The police even blocked access to the mansion, as several dozen protesters gathered on one of the streets in the suburbs.

The “treaty” regulates relations between the Serbian Orthodox Church, the largest church in Montenegro with significant real estate, and the state. Abazovich said an agreement with the Serbian Orthodox Church is a necessary condition for maintaining political normality and preventing political friction between conservatives and supporters of an open EU. and West.

The country is being tested by conflict between those who identify themselves as Montenegrins and Serbs who are friends in Moscow.

The pro-Russian and pro-Serb opposition Democratic Front welcomed the signing as a result of the party’s political struggle for the rights of Serbs and the Serbian Orthodox Church in the country. On the other hand, some parties in the government coalition, namely the pro-Western DPS of President Milo Dukanovic, have announced that they will file an impeachment petition against the government in connection with the signing of an agreement with the Serbian Patriarchate.

The political scene in the country is tested by the conflict between those who identify themselves as Montenegrins and Serbs, with whom they are friends in Moscow.​​​​​​​