The Western Balkans is still one of Russia's zones of interest

The Western Balkans is still one of Russia's zones of interest, said the president of the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) Milo Đukanović, adding that joint action with international partners can show determination in opposing retrograde and dangerous ideas.
As reported by DPS, Đukanović spoke today at the congress of the Socialist International (SI), which is being held in Madrid.
At the SI congress, the current Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, was elected party leader, and Benedikta Lasi was elected secretary general.
Đukanović said that since its foundation at the Frankfurt Congress in 1951, SI has been and remains an indispensable actor on the global scene, especially in the affirmation and defense of social justice, democracy and peace in the world.
He congratulated the newly elected leadership, which he is convinced will bring new energy and enthusiasm to the strengthening of the left-wing movement in Europe and the world with their exceptional political experience, excellent contacts, dedicated engagement and progressive vision.
Đukanović stated that "we live in a time when international relations and security policies are in the highest correlation in recent history".
"Even when multilateralism represents the best mechanism for preserving peace, strengthening democracy, defending against climate threats, the energy crisis, but also health, existential and financial insecurities, which worry the whole world," said Đukanović.
According to him, such engagement is an obligation today, if we take into account the alarming situation when it comes to the campaign of propaganda and false information, which aims to make reality meaningless, and continuously misleads the audience.
"The fact is that we are witnessing the initial phase of the establishment of a new world order, in which some old players are active and violent again, which loudly warns us that we must no longer tolerate the rise of xenophobia, nationalism and right-wing ideas," Đukanović believes.
He said that Montenegro is in the focus of those who still cannot come to terms with Montenegrin independence, membership in NATO, the leading role in joining the European Union (EU) and who want to obstruct the country's pro-Western course.
"This is especially worrying when we know that the Balkans are still the scene of conflicting geopolitical interests, the consequence of which is the slowing down of the integration of our societies into their natural European environment, the undermining of trust and the delay in the adoption of European values", Đukanović assessed.
He said that in the recent past, Montenegro was, and still is, faced with many challenges, above all the influence of third parties, from which it managed to protect itself, among other things with the support of NATO partners.
"Moscow is taking the lead in this, which today, through right-wing parties in our country, wants to destabilize political and social conditions to the end," said Đukanović.
He said that these right-wing parties today are consciously carrying out the ideas of the pro-Russian right, obstructing the process of rapprochement with the EU, which caused a sharp reaction and condemnation from Western partners.
Đukanović said that the conflict in Ukraine clearly showed what Russia is ready for.
According to him, taking into account that one of Russia's areas of interest is still the area of ​​the Western Balkans, the continued attention of international partners is necessary, as they take the situation in Montenegro and the Western Balkans more seriously today.
"Only through joint action can we show determination in opposing retrograde and dangerous ideas that pose threats to multi-ethnic democracy in the Balkans, and which at the same time threaten European stability and prosperity," Đukanović believes.
I.B.