News
30 May 2020, 21:08 PM
May 30, 2020 - Sailing club Delfin from Tivat, in the current situation of complete uncertainty for all of us, is intensively preparing for a dynamic sailing season. In addition to sailing school and organization of domestic competitions, it brings a significant event in the history of Montenegrin sailing. This fall, in the waters of Trašte Bay, with the wholehearted support of the company Luštica Development, Tivat and Montenegro will host the European Laser Class Championship, for which about 150 competitors from 40 countries have already confirmed participation.
The Delfin sailing club boasts a tradition of almost 70 years. It was founded in Tivat within the Club of Technology back in 1951, and since then, it has been the backbone of the development of sailing, not only in Boka Bay but in the whole of Montenegro. Thanks to its dedicated work in the sailing school, which organizes every summer, the club can boast of exceptional results at the international level in recent years, which has put it in a position to bring major international regattas to Montenegro. Last fall, the Balkan Championship was sailed in Tivat with the participation of 12 national teams. This October, in the waters of Luštica Bay, we expect about 250 competitors from all over the world, because the European Championship is an open type.
All this would not be possible without the "primary naval school," as the club observes the work with the youngest in the sailing school, which will start on June 13 this year.
"We view sailing school as primary maritime education. Through daily work with more experienced competitors of the club, children gain basic knowledge about the sea, the winds that blow in our country, learn to tame the wind, and operate a sailboat, as well as to fully equip and dismantle the boat. They learn the basics of aerodynamics, sea knots, they overcome fear of the sea learning to respect it, "points out the president of Delfin, Frano Tripović.
The sailing school gathers about 100 students every summer, and the club points out that a large number of foreigners are among them, both residents and tourists. Official information about the beginning of this year's "primary maritime school" of the Sailing Club Delfin is expected on Monday after the meeting of the Board of the club. We know so far from this year that the school will be raised to an even higher level, with specific skills to be gained during two and a half months of school, to finally approach the practical and theoretical examination of the acquired knowledge and skills.
"We in Boka have a maritime high school. We also have a naval faculty. In this context, our sailing clubs are a place where our children need to acquire basic naval knowledge. Our goal is for as many children as possible to come and try their hand at sea. Sailing is a specific sport because it brings the skills needed in any future sea activity. But not only that. It develops self-confidence in children, teaches them to be independent and responsible. Because very early on, they become aware that it is up to them how their ship will sail in the given circumstances. "
New sailing field - Luštica Bay aquarium
Thanks to the cooperation with the company Luštica Development, Delfin has opened an entirely new sailing field outside Boka for local sailors, which offers desirable conditions, both for training and for organizing competitions such as this year's European Championship. The Delfin's sailors in the Laser class have been training on Luštica for several weeks now, and soon the competitors of other national teams will come to the preparations. During June, already, one of the best sailors and the most trophy-winning coaches in the world, Jozo Jakelić, arrives, who brings competitors from several European national teams.
"Jozo is our old friend and collaborator and a man to whom we owe a great deal of gratitude because our competitors are always welcome to prepare in Split," says the head coach of Delfin, Ilija Klakor. "Tonci Stipanovic from Croatia, the owner of silver from the last Olympic Games, Pablos Kontides, the owner of the only Olympic medal for Cyprus and the Croatian competitor Filip Jurisic, currently tenth in the Laser Standard class on the list of the World Sailing Federation, and three Croatian juniors are coming in next two weeks. Competitors from Russia and Hungary, who are also part of the team being prepared by Jozo Jakelic for the European Championships in Tivat, are waiting for the borders to open to confirm their arrival."
"The national teams of Serbia, Austria, and Germany also expressed interest in coming to Tivat as soon as possible, " says Ilija Klakor.
In anticipation of rivals from other countries, Boka sailors have been listening to the sea, currents, and winds in the Luštica Bay area for several weeks now, enthralled by the opportunity to train on the "big sea."
"Thanks to modern technologies and the investment of Luštica Development in Trašte Bay, and their recognition of the potential that cooperation with local sailors brings for their project, a completely new and perfect sailing field has opened for us with challenging currents and winds. It offers us conditions for training and competitions that we do not have in the waters of Boka Bay, "states with satisfaction the president of YC Delfin, Frano Tripović.
30 May 2020, 13:07 PM
May 30, 2020 - No new cases of Covid-19 have been registered in Montenegro since 5 May. Four days remain in the countdown to the end of the epidemic.
The Constitutional Court will annul NKTs decision but too late
By publishing the data of persons who were ordered self-isolation during the initial COVID-19 outbreak, the National Coordinating Body (NKT) helped these persons become victims of social stigma and enabled their data to be abused. It is what judge rapporteur Mevlida Muratović said after the constitutional court yesterday initiated a procedure to assess the constitutionality of NKT's decision to publish the list of names of citizens who were ordered self-isolation. The initiative was submitted on 23 April by NGO Civic Alliance, and all judges voted yesterday in favor of putting it on the list. In the meantime, the list disappeared from the government's website without explanation, and the documents of the constitutional court state that it has not been available online since 25 April.
Milo and Vucic are raising tensions to improve their ratings before elections
Sociologist, an anti-war activist, and former leader of the Civic Alliance of Serbia, Vesna Pešić, said that nationalist squabbling between Montenegro and Serbia should be stopped. Too many people had died over this already. It is how Pešić commented on the latest wave of tensions between Montenegro and Serbia. What sparked them was the recent decision of Montenegro not to include Serbian citizens on the list of those allowed entry into Montenegro. Belgrade accused Podgorica of making a purely political decision, while Podgorica claims that the criterion for the choice was primarily epidemiological. Pešić said that President Milo Đukanović and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić were good friends, with common mediators and employees and joint business ventures. She said that they were deliberately raising tensions to improve their ratings, as elections were approaching in both countries. Pešić said it was an old Balkan trope of whoever shouts louder at the neighbors gets more votes in elections.
Statements taken from 13 passengers who smoked and drank aboard airplane
The airplane carrying home 317 seafarers from the countries of the region from Barbados, landed in Podgorica yesterday. They all sailed on Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises companies' vessels.
Among them, there were 143 Montenegrin citizens and 174 seafarers from Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, and Serbia. There were incidents during the flight, as some of the passengers failed to adhere to the airliner's rules. Serbian media reported that 15 Montenegrin seafarers were arrested at the Podgorica airport upon landing. State secretary in the Ministry of Interior and the head of the operational headquarters coordinating the repatriation of Montenegrin citizens, Dragan Pejanović, said that some of the passengers were smoking during the flight and consumed alcohol. The crew informed the police about this.
Children will be able to go to kindergartens by Thursday, here are measures to adhere to
Public pre-school institutions will re-open on Thursday, 4 June. Private pre-school institutions can start working on 1 June, if they met all of the conditions and recommendations by the Institute of Public Health (IJZ). There are around 22,000 enrolled with kindergartens across Montenegro. All necessary precautionary measures are being taken to make kindergartens free of any health hazards.
Glass lizard found in a toilet in Zoganj quarantine
Seafarers who arrived in Montenegro in recent days are demanding that the state releases them from quarantine because they have been on the high seas for months. Some also complain about quarantine conditions. An 80-centimeter-long glass lizard was found in a toilet in one of the rooms in Zoganj quarantine in Ulcinj. The girl who was in that room will be transferred to another quarantine. Also, one seafarer hired an attorney because he has been locked in his room in Simo Milosevic Institute quarantine in Igalo since his arrival, and he was not checked by doctors since. It is not known why Montenegrin sailors, who returned to the country from the Carnival Magic and Carnival Breeze cruise ships via the port of Dubrovnik, have to be quarantined in Igalo for 14 days. However, they previously spent two to three months isolated on cruise ships.
Flego: We need to open doors to tourists, but with maximum precautions
Both Croatia and Montenegro need to open their doors to foreign tourists, but with maximum precautions and the highest security level. Croatian Member of the European Parliament Valter Flego said this in an interview with Dnevne Novine.
"The summer season will be completely different than what we have become accustomed to in recent years. This season will not break any records, but I believe that the occupancy of tourist facilities in July and August will be good," says Flego. He believes that the countries will have to adjust the supply to the market demand, and as he says, the safety of the destination and the attractiveness of the offer will play a significant role. "While this does not necessarily imply a reduction in prices, some form of added value needs to be provided," Flego says.
Radak Kukavicic: Montenegro's promotion under the slogan "Nature and Me."
The fact that Montenegro is recognized as the first European corona-free destination is crucial, says the director of the National Tourist Organization, Zeljka Radak Kukavicic. "It is a great success for our country, which was primarily achieved thanks to the commitment and organization of Montenegrin health institutions and the responsibility of our citizens," says Radak Kukavicic. As she says, the season will bring a different summer vacation experience. She claims that according to UNWTO estimates, the initial phase of the tourist recovery will start in July 2020. She announced that Montenegro's new campaign on the foreign market would be under the slogan Nature and Me.
States support airlines with billions
Without significant state financial aid, no airline in the region and Europe, except the low-cost RyanAir, Wizz Air, and Volotea, can survive the coronavirus crisis, says Croatian aviation analyst. Alen Scuric says that miniature state-owned airlines are more vulnerable than large companies and need aid. "Airlines will not be able to survive without support from the state. If that support is under €40m for Croatia Airlines and Air Serbia, and €20m for Montenegro Airlines, not including aid announced before the coronavirus situation, those airlines will not have a chance to survive for more than two years", says Šćuric. He points out that American and Asian airlines have a massive advantage over European ones, due to the rapid pumping of state money and the announced additional billions of dollars in aid.
SMEs at the mercy of banks
SDP deputy leader Rasko Konjevic called on the governor of the Central Bank (CBCG), Radoje Zugic, to resign. According to Konjevic, Zugic left micro, small and medium-sized companies, which are the backbone of the Montenegrin economy and by far the largest employer, at the mercy of the banks. "Zugic informed the public that he managed to arrange a second moratorium on loans with a commercial bank. However, the banks are not obliged to approve the moratorium, even if clients meet all the conditions. Zugic sent a clear message to employers that they need to fulfill strict conditions, but that does not mean that they will get a moratorium on their loans," says Konjevic. According to SDP official, the governor with a salary of over €5,000 seems to have a hard time understanding the predicament of small and medium-sized enterprises that barely ensure financial sustainability and retain labor, due to the adverse effects of the COVID-19 epidemic. So it is not surprising that he is arrogant to boast with this new moratorium arrangement after the first one, which cost the economy over €30m.
COVID-19 crisis could increase poverty in Montenegro by up to 3%
World Bank's semi-annual report on recent economic developments and economic policies in the Western Balkans looks at the outlook for the Western Balkans region and the coronavirus factor that affects growth prospects. From about 9,000 to 20,000 citizens could fall into poverty due to the economic shock, the report titled The Economic and Social Impact of COVID-19: Poverty and Household Welfare. Worryingly, more than 80 percent of the Montenegrins who could become weak because of the COVID-19 crisis do not currently have any social protection support, the report says. In sectors profoundly affected by COVID-19, about 14 to 33 percent of Western Balkan economies are self-employed and, therefore, particularly vulnerable. It is estimated that, in the Western Balkans, without considering government response measures, the COVID-19 crisis would push at least 400,000 people into poverty, and up to 950,000 if the crisis is prolonged.
At least some earnings could be made from failed nautical season
Montenegrin maritime authorities are prepared to offer to owners of cruisers to dock their vessels in Montenegro. At the same time, they are not being used commercially due to the coronavirus pandemic. Covid-19 pandemic had a devastating effect on the global cruising industry, and almost the entire fleet of cruisers is currently out of use. Everything indicates that this yachting season is off. Montenegrin Ministry of Transportation and the Maritime Safety and Port Management Authority decided to make the offer to enable port authorities in Montenegro to make some earnings.
This brief is kindly prepared for you by Arhimed & Represent Communications.
29 May 2020, 12:17 PM
May 29, 2020 - Novak Djokovic is convinced that one "Adria Tour" tournament will be held in Montenegro. "I think that the borders will open. We will play in Montenegro 90 percent," Djokovic told Serbian sports weekly "Sportski Žurnal."
The tournament is planned in Montenegro for June 27 and 28, and Djokovic said at the presentation of the tennis event, at the beginning of the week, that it is not yet sure whether it will be held due to, as he said, little time for the organization.
In the meantime, the Montenegrin Government passed a decision according to which Serbian citizens are not allowed to enter Montenegro. The Government of Croatia did the same, so, from that point of view, the tournament in Zadar, which is scheduled for the 20th and June 21.
The first tournament will be held in Belgrade on June 13th and 14th.
The Tennis Association of Montenegro is ready to help the organization Adria Tour
The President of the Tennis Association of Montenegro, Dimitrija Rasovic, said that Montenegro has the conditions to organize a tournament on the "Adria tour," to host Novak Djokovic and tennis aces. But, "the Tennis Association has not received any official notification about the initiative or anything related to it," ERaspvoć said to nova.rs.
"I only had a short conversation with Dusan Orlandic (executive director of the Tennis Association of Serbia), but he told me that we would most likely talk during this and next week. I listened to what Novak said a few days ago at a press conference. He said then that "It is still questionable whether everything will be organized on the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro. We will, as in everything so far, behave responsibly and correctly, but we cannot react if we have not received anything," Rašović told Nova.rs.
The ban on entering Montenegro from Serbia is also a problem.
"I don't even know how official the measure in question is. I wouldn't talk about political relations. I don't deal with that. I am a professor, I deal with other things in life, but I am also someone who has been in office in the Tennis Association of Montenegro for 15 or 16 years ", added Rašović.
Rašović says that Montenegro has several possible locations where the tournament could be held, on June 28 and 29.
"It is not a problem. Talking to Duško Orlandić, Porto Montenegro was mentioned, but we also have conditions in Ulcinj, Budva, Niksic, and other cities. It is not like when the Davis Cup is organized, which requires respect for specific requirements and rules. It all depends, but first, we need to see what will happen next ", concluded the Tennis Association of Montenegro.
Source: nova.rs, vijesti.me
29 May 2020, 11:57 AM
May 29, 2020 - Montenegro opens its borders to Croatia on June 1, but Croatian borders remain closed to Montenegrin citizens. Serbia allowed the arrival of Montenegrin citizens, but Montenegro did not list Serbia among the first countries to whose citizens it plans to open its borders. Citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina will not be able to enter Montenegro, but Montenegrins are welcome to Bosnia.
The Prime Minister of Serbia, Ana Brnabić, stated today that the message of Podgorica that the citizens of Serbia are undesirable in Montenegro is "clear" to her. She assessed for B92 television that Montenegro's decision to open the country's borders to the citizens of several countries, but not Serbia, is wrong. It represents a "classic case when politicking obscures economic interest and what is good for your economy and citizens."
She also stated that she believes that Podgorica will change that decision under the pressure of the tourism sector.
"I believe that there will be a lot of pressure from hoteliers because tourism is the most significant part of their economy, and that is why our citizens are perfect tourists. Eventually, they will give in, and I believe they will invite us to come to Montenegro. I urge citizens not to go where they are undesirable, but wherever they go, the Government of Serbia will be open for cooperation, "the Prime Minister stated.
She reiterated that Serbia respects Montenegro as a neighboring country and advocates for regional stability and better connections to improve the citizens' quality of life.
"I do not understand that some colleagues in the region do not understand that we as a region can progress and raise the quality of life of the citizens of Serbia, BiH, Montenegro only if we work together, if the region is peaceful, stable, better connected," said the Prime Minister.
She stated that she does not want to interfere in the internal affairs of Montenegro, but also added that her constitutional obligation as Prime Minister and the requirement of Serbia as a state is to take care of Serbs in Montenegro, to protect their rights.
She assessed that by reciprocity, "we will not get anything" and that it is meaningless to close Serbia's borders for 28% of Serbs living in Montenegro.
"We do not want to participate in these games of the past, but we are facing the future. I invite the citizens of Montenegro to come to Serbia. We are an open country, we want people to come here, that is our policy and will not change because someone else's strategy is entirely different ", said the Serbian Prime Minister.
Asked about Croatia's decision not to open its borders to Serbian citizens, she said that Zagreb made that decision only for EU members and that she assumed that "something does not count excessively on tourists from Serbia."
"I think more about how to best present all the beauties of our country to our citizens who often know foreign countries better than our tourist destinations. I invite our citizens to stay during the summer in Serbia and rely on the beauties and services in their country because it is in terms of health security the safest, and thus directly help the domestic economy in a challenging year ", said Ana Brnabić.
Commenting on the absence of EU reactions to Podgorica's decision, she said that full membership in the Union remains Serbia's strategic path, but added that sometimes the lack of response is a reaction.
At yesterday's session of the Government, Croatia decided to open the borders for ten European countries, among which there is no Montenegro, Croatian media report.
At the beginning of the Government session, President Andrej Plenković said that this decision was made, as he said, due to the excellent results of Croatia in recent days. He said that the borders would be open for tourists from ten European countries, and the list will be expanded, he says, following the situation.
Previously, Montenegro did something similar, so Serbs are not allowed to travel there for now.
Croatian Minister of Health Vili Beroš stated that there had been no new infected with COVID-19 in Croatia for the last four days.
"We are among the most successful countries in the fight against KOVID-19 in Europe and the world - he said, adding that since the measures were relaxed, we have a small number of newly infected people and a favorable epidemiological situation," Beroš said. He added that he was sure that as the situation progressed, the list of countries would expand.
The Minister in the Government of Croatia, Davor Božinović, explained that citizens from ten countries on the list will no longer have to state the reasons for entering Croatia, but will enter the country as before the coronavirus pandemic.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is opening its borders for the entry of citizens of all neighboring countries as of June 1, the chairman of the BiH Council of Ministers, Zoran Tegeltija, confirmed on Thursday.
"We have decided to open the borders with neighboring countries from June 1 without any restrictions related to testing for COVID-19," Tegeltija told reporters in Sarajevo after the session of the Council of Ministers.
He added that all restrictions on passenger traffic with neighbors had been lifted even though some neighboring countries, namely Croatia and Montenegro, still retain restrictions on the entry of BiH citizens. "Unfortunately neighboring countries were not kind to BiH in the same way," Tegeltija said. All Bosnian airports will be open for international traffic, so from June 1, a complete renewal of air traffic is possible.
Montenegro annunced yesterday that its borders will be open from June 1 also to the citizens of Bosnia.
29 May 2020, 11:37 AM
May 29, 2020 - No cases of COVID-19 infection were registered in Montenegro yesterday. The National Coordinating Body for Infectious Diseases is further easing measures to combat the spread of coronavirus, and foreign citizens from 26 countries will be free to enter Montenegro starting 1 June.
Travelers will not be quarantined or asked to self-isolate, the NKT said. The critical criterion for allowing entry will be an infection rate of 25 active COVID-19 cases or less per 100,000 inhabitants in the country where the foreigner resides or from which travel to Montenegro begins.
The NKT said it is updating this list of countries weekly. Among the countries currently on the list are Slovenia, Iceland, Croatia, Slovakia, Georgia, Switzerland, Albania, Austria, Norway, Monaco, Kosovo, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Denmark, Lithuania, Latvia, Azerbaijan, Luxembourg, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Israel, Northern Macedonia, Ireland, Czech Republic, Finland, and Estonia.
The NKT will now allow all types of gatherings, up to a maximum of 200 people, in open and closed spaces and public areas, including weddings and funerals. The 200 maximum also applies to spectators at sports events. The physical distancing of at least 2 meters during gatherings remains mandatory.
Entertainment venues, kindergartens
Discos, nightclubs, cinemas, theaters, and children's playrooms and kindergartens are now permitted to reopen, under the Institute of Public Health's instructions.
Licenses, residency permits
The NKT advises that expired driver's licenses and residency and work permits for foreigners are considered valid until 1 July.
The NKT notes that foreign citizens (and Montenegrins) with temporary or permanent residence in Montenegro that arrive in Montenegro from countries not on its safe list will be required to self-isolate or be ordered into quarantine for 14 days.
Self-isolation implies remaining in family housing or other accommodation, as well as medical monitoring.
Tourists do not have to, and Montenegrin sailors have to be quarantined
A group of Montenegrin sailors who arrived in Montenegro three days ago, after 72 days in ship quarantine, are outraged that they have been given another 14 days of quarantine at the Igalo Institute. They demand that this measure be abolished and, if necessary, transformed into self-isolation, since they have medical confirmation of not being infected with COVID-19.
Sasa Perisic from Herceg Novi was in a group of sailors who arrived in the Dubrovnik port of Gruz by boat "Carnival Breeze", and then via Montenegro to Debeli Brijeg. One group was placed in the quarantine of the Igalo Institute, and the others were transferred to the quarantine in Ulcinj.
"This is a shock to us. While we were on the ship, we did not think about the quarantine that awaits us upon arrival in Montenegro. It was just important for us to return home. I would now, after three days, sign to return to the ship. I do not see the logic that such conditions, such as an extreme quarantine regime. We thought the doors of our rooms would open because we came together. No one has examined us so far, I could die here without anyone but my friends knowing. We have been on the ship in quarantine for 72 days, the last 18 under the ultimate control of a doctor. We have papers that we are healthy, that we do not have COVID-19 disease, we have entered the country according to all regulations, we are just asking that they let us go into self-isolation. We were safer than all of you who are here ", said Perišić, who addressed the public on behalf of 27 colleagues from the quarantine in Igalo.
The most terrible thing, as Perišić says, is that they are locked up for 24 hours, that they are guarded by the army, which also inspects all the food and drinks that their relatives and friends bring them. On the other hand, he says, they can shake hands over the balcony, add things to each other and ask where the logic is.
Seafarers sent to Ulcinj, he claims, do not have such strict rules, they can leave the rooms, communicate, take a walk.
"This is not against the state. It is our appeal to let us go home in self-isolation. We're not on the nerve ending, but we don't want to get on the nerve ending either. We are just asking for them to let us go into self-isolation ", Perišić appealed on his behalf and behalf of his colleagues.
Source: Radio Tivat
28 May 2020, 17:57 PM
May 28, 2020 - The strategy for the development of tourism in the Municipality of Tivat until 2024 aims to position this city among Green Destinations - tourist destinations with an offer throughout the year, preserving unique features, promoting existing and new experiences, and providing additional value for the entire tourism industry chain.
As pointed out by TO Tivat, special attention must be paid to the local community's continuous involvement in the development of tourism, the quality of life of citizens, and the sustainability of the destination, which is an essential and unavoidable goal.
"Tivat as an already well-known tourist city to justify its place on the list of favorite tourist destinations in June starts the process of the primary analysis, coordination and definition of existing and new activities, with a chance to receive certification by Green Destinations after detailed reporting, sustainable improvement and neutral assessments by international experts. Green Destinations, a non-profit foundation for sustainable tourism development and recognition, offers support in the process of sustainable development, all through the active involvement of the local community and the business sector, "they point out.
As they explain, together with their partners, they support more than 200 destinations in over 50 countries around the world, when it comes to responsible tourism on globally recognized principles.
"The program also strives for sustainable development goals. Green Destinations or Quality Coast certification, more than any other, offers recognizability and Visibility of the destination in the market. It provides tourists with information on clean, green, and responsible destinations. Joining Green Destinations Tivat expects benefits such as independent assessment of the pros and cons of the destination, detailed proposals for improving tourism with an emphasis on "green solutions", global recognition through Green Destinations or Quality Coast Awards - certification, recognition of good practices that have been implemented, as well as a free connection with the global community of destinations that strive for sustainable tourism, which gather every year at the international event Global Green Destinations Days ", explained from TO Tivat.
This network and events offer a unique opportunity for destinations around the world to share good practice examples and examples of how to achieve sustainable goals.
"Visibility in the market: Successful members have permission to use the achieved status in marketing (logos, banners, flags); and are found on an increasing number of platforms for the promotion of sustainable travel (Good Travel Guide, Bookdifferent.com, Green Destinations Collection). The criteria of this program are recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (www.gstc.org). At the end of a demanding and ambitious process, the destination can be accredited by this council. In the region, Slovenia is the country that works most successfully with this program ", states the TO Tivat.
The focus of this program is six "topics". These are destination management, nature, and environment, environment and climate, culture and tradition, social welfare, business, and catering. The realization of the entire process will include the public and private sectors from the representatives of the Municipality, local economy, investors, local community.
"Working efficiently in all these aspects, towards the goal of obtaining this certificate, Tivat will once again justify its desire to become one of the leading tourist destinations and that through an adequate, strategic process. It will be a better place to live for locals and tourists who visit it. In terms of monitoring the national tourism strategy and in 2021, 30 years of constitutional commitment as an ecological state," they point out.
TO Tivat will manage this process and organize the first meeting/workshop with the public and private sector in June.
27 May 2020, 22:21 PM
May 27, 2020 - The Serbian Civil Aviation Directorate informed Montenegro Airlines late yesterday afternoon that the right of the Montenegrin national airline to land at Belgrade's "Nikola Tesla" airport was suspended.
"Montenegro Airlines is about to fight for faster and better connection of Montenegro with airlines to all European destinations, and we will be committed to this task. The industry in which we operate should not depend on political decisions. Regardless of this unexpected decision of Belgrade, Serbia remains a part of our traffic plans, and we will try to contribute to the consequences of COVID-19, in the economic sense, being remedied as soon as possible, "said Montenegro Airlines.
The officials from the "Nikola Tesla" airport said yesterday that they did not have any official information that the Montenegrin national company's planes were forbidden to land. "We have not officially received anything, we have only seen in the media that the landing of Montenegro Airlines is prohibited," they stated.
The government in Podgorica announced on Monday that it had decided to reopen borders with some countries as of June 1st, but they remained closed to Serbia and Republika Srpska.
Montenegro Airlines announced yesterday that it is preparing for the renewal of commercial flights and that the first flights will be to Belgrade.
However, the Civil Aviation Directorate decided to deny permits to the Montenegrin airline. The explanation of the decision, they stated that the decision of the government in Podgorica violated the principle of reciprocity in the movement of passengers between the two countries.
It, as stated, directly affects the reciprocity in the operation of scheduled air transport referred to in Article 13, paragraph 1 of the Ordinance on the issuance of approval to foreign air carriers to operate international public air transport with the Republic of Serbia, to the detriment of registered airlines in Serbia.
Montenegro's decision on opening its borders with some countries, among which there's no Serbia, is not political but just related to the epidemic situation, said Montenegro's Prime Minister, Dusko Markovic, after the Prime Minister's Hour.
Montenegro's decision to keep its border with Serbia closed provoked sharp reactions from some Serbian officials. PM Markovic said that Montenegro wanted to act responsibly.
"There's no rational explanation for reactions from Belgrade. Serbia was the first one to close the border with Montenegro. It banned the export of medical equipment to Montenegro, the export of wheat as well. We never reacted to that. We thought such decisions were in the interest of their citizens", PM reminded, adding that the decision regarding borders is in the interest of Montenegrin citizens.
Commenting on Serbia's decision to ban Montenegro Airlines flights at Nikola Tesla Airport, PM Markovic said he would look for the alternatives.
"We think that the decision is not logical. We are going to look for alternatives, like for wheat. We are not going to ask for the explanation," Markovic said.
He pointed out that telephones "are in function and Serbian authorities can always call and ask anything regarding our decisions".
Source: CdM, B92.net
26 May 2020, 23:02 PM
The national airline, Montenegro Airlines (MA), has started preparations for commercial flights starting from June after an almost three-month suspension of flights due to the coronavirus pandemic. The plan is to have the first flights to Belgrade, but the overall traffic will still be reduced until 14 June 2020, including that date.
“It means that all flights to European destinations are still not allowed, except for Belgrade. In the beginning, flights to Belgrade, from Podgorica and Tivat, will be organized with reduced intensity but on a daily basis, i.e. from Podgorica – once or twice per day, and from Tivat – once per day every day,“ the national airline told CdM.
They expect the traffic to other regular European destinations to be allowed during the last week of June.
Montenegro will open its borders in early June, but only for certain countries, that is, for those with the same or similar epidemiological situation.
26 May 2020, 22:31 PM
May 26, 2020 - "The first countries with which Montenegro will open the borders are: Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Albania, Greece and possibly some countries in the region until the order is passed and entered into force," Prime Minister Duško Marković
"Montenegro is the first country in Europe without infected with the coronavirus. It is equally the success of the state, its institutions, and each individual. As of today, our country is also known on all meridians for its result in the fight against the invisible and unknown enemy. Now we focus on preserving and recovering our economy, jobs, and standards of our citizens. We will win this battle successfully," said Prime Minister Duško Marković at a press conference held yesterday, a day after the Public Health Institute declared that there are no more COVID – 19 patients in our country.
"On behalf of the Government and in my name, I would like to congratulate everyone, who was on the first line of defense, namely: doctors, nurses and technicians, pharmacists and all health care employees; Members of the police, the security services and the Armed Forces of Montenegro, who took care for the application of measures and at the same time maintained order, peace, and safety of every citizen; No less - and to all members of inspections, security services, postal officers, volunteers and employees of city services; Aircraft crews, airport services, and transport workers; Employees in supermarkets and shops, who provided services daily, not allowing scenarios of endless lines, empty shelves, and discomfort in our homes. I voice my due gratitude to the educators, who ensured the continuity of teaching and responded to my request for organizing the curriculum from home. Therefore, our children finish school in 15 days, and do not repeat the school year! I show respect to all of you who were in quarantine and self-isolation. And to all of you who stayed at home and respected the measures and recommendations in every way. That is how you saved yourself from others and others from yourself; This is an opportunity to say that there are more than five thousand individuals and companies that have recognized the need and made donations. And we have saved every euro attached, and from that money, we will build clinics, which will serve our society and the public health! We owe gratitude to journalists and the media - because you informed about everything objectively and on time. I am grateful to the officials in the state administration and the members of the operational staff. They demonstrated an ability to make the right decisions quickly and implement them with the necessary precision. I would also like to thank the PR team that made itself available to the Public Health Institute. Our institutions did not wait for the orders, but from the very first moment stood in defense of the citizens, their lives, and health. That is the best answer to the criticism that reluctance and ignorance are living in our institutions, and the best confirmation that the state and citizens have someone to rely on," the Prime Minister said at a press conference, broadcasted live by Montenegrin televisions.
The result we can be proud of binds us
The Prime Minister noted that we can be proud of the result, but that it obliges us to continue with a responsible attitude, to overcome the consequences of the economic crisis that hit us and prevent a new wave of epidemics if it occurs.
The Prime Minister pointed out that this result did not come by itself but reminded of how our country has opposed the pandemic in recent months.
"Let me note that the National Coordination Body met practically every other day and held 35 sessions, at which 69 orders were passed. It is how Montenegro managed to be – the last country in Europe where COVID-19 was registered, without introducing a state of emergency, and without curfew. And to be the first country in Europe to defeat it. Our strategy is always to be one step ahead. We reacted to the first appearance of the virus in European countries. Let me remind you, the first measure was adopted on 9 January, and the first restriction for passengers in international traffic on 15 January, i.e., two months before the registered case of the disease. By timely forming the National Coordination Body, we have ensured centralized crisis planning, unified coordination of institutions, and timeliness in informing the public," said the Prime Minister.
Prime Minister Duško Marković marked that Montenegro did not close the borders for our citizens; it provided sufficient medical equipment and protected all those exposed to immediate danger.
"In that way, we relieved our health care system. That was our main goal - not to fill hospitals with patients. We decided to stop the virus at the borders of Montenegro. And on the internal level - not to allow it to infiltrate into our homes. That is why we succeeded," said Prime Minister Duško Marković.
The Prime Minister recalled the two adopted packages of economic measures and announced the third one, which is directed towards the recovery of our economy and the assistance to entrepreneurs and citizens.
Opening of borders soon and another easing of measures
Prime Minister Duško Marković announced the opening of borders, first for the citizens of those countries that are successfully dealing with the coronavirus.
"As of today, the National Coordination Body for Communicable Diseases, with its eight operational staffs and over a hundred people involved in-depth, has the task of finding the best solutions that will enable the start of our economy. That will open borders, enable the arrival of tourists, and further mitigate measures, which will have an impact on citizens' internal situation and life. We intend to open kindergartens, preschools, playrooms, bishops, and theaters as early as next week; To enable a limited audience to follow sports events while respecting the protection measures. Christenings, weddings, and family celebrations will also be allowed, along with health and security measures and restrictions on the number of attendees. And by the assessment made, the opening of borders with countries that meet the appropriate epidemiological criteria of the Public Health Institute is expected in the first days of June. Currently, it reads a maximum of 25 patients per 100,000 inhabitants. The first countries with which we will open the borders are: Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Albania, Greece and possibly some countries in the region until the order is passed and entered into force. Global trends also pointed to the expansion of the circle of countries to which we could open the border. It will start our aircraft and air industry, encourage our tourism and enable work in related activities," the Prime Minister stated.
Montenegro is recognized as a Corona Free country
Prime Minister Duško Marković concluded that the Corona Free status is the emblem of Montenegro on all meridians.
"As of today, Montenegro is special regarding the result it has achieved in the fight against the invisible and unknown enemy. Therefore, I once again congratulate the National Coordination Body on excellent and strategic management during the coronavirus epidemic. Today, we are already in the field of preserving and recovering our economy, preserving jobs, and the standards of our citizens. I assure you that we will win this battle, as successfully, as we won the previous one to preserve our citizens' health and lives. Let's be responsible and in solidarity for the good of our Montenegro," Prime Minister Duško Marković concluded at the press conference.
Partnership with citizens was the most important thing
Answering journalists' questions, the Prime Minister emphasized that there was nothing we could have done, that we did not do. The Prime Minister considers the most important the visionary approach of our health system and notably the Institute of Public Health, which gave the first recommendations about two months before the first registered case in our country. The Prime Minister also assessed the successful organization of quarantine and self-isolation, as essential.
The Prime Minister highlighted that the partnership with the citizens showed to be the key orientation. In support of that, he stated that Montenegro is a country that had among the highest degrees of freedom for citizens. "We have made the best decisions. It is a common result of both the institutions and the citizens who have followed all these recommendations. And that is why we have the opportunity to celebrate today," said the Prime Minister. He added that he did not propose a state of emergency, nor would he suggest it in some new circumstances because it turned out that Montenegro has the institutional capacity and that the citizens have shown loyalty and discipline.
Dialogue with the Serbian Orthodox Church in Montenegro will continue when the conditions are met
Asked when the dialogue with the Serbian Orthodox Church in Montenegro will be continued, the Prime Minister said that the conversation would continue when the conditions for that are met.
"Discussions can take place only when a good and favorable environment is created in full trust and readiness of both sides to conduct this dialogue in a good spirit, and not through blackmail. Today I saw some announcements that say 'if we don't start a dialogue immediately - we will start with processions.' If public gatherings are allowed tomorrow, let the processions start. Let no one frighten us with processions. Nor will marches be a reason for the Government to change its policy. The Government will change its policy only if there are national interests and goals for expediency and justification, and not because of the threat of gatherings, even if they were processions. So, the conversation will take place when the conditions for that are met. I will strive for it to be as soon as possible, but it does not depend only on the Government, but also on the other side," said Prime Minister Duško Marković.
Address of Prime Minister Duško Marković at the press conference on declaring Montenegro as a "Corona Free."
PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICE OF THE GOVERNMENT OF MONTENEGRO
25 May 2020, 13:21 PM
May 25, 2020 - Montenegro is officially free of active COVID-19 cases. The last case in Gusinje has recovered. Montenegro's tally currently stands at 324 total coronavirus cases, 315 recovered, and nine deaths.
Montenegro corona free
After 68 days of combating the coronavirus, Montenegro is officially corona free, announced the Institute of Public Health (IJZ). It makes it the first coronavirus free nation in Europe. Last night, IJZ director Boban Mugosa said the end of the epidemic could be declared on 2 June if no new cases appeared. The assistant to the minister of health and a member of the National Coordinating Body, Dr. Vesna Miranović, warns that being a Covid-19 free destination is a temporary title that could change if new cases emerge. Therefore, Montenegrins must continue to observe caution and discipline, must wear masks in closed spaces, and maintain physical distancing to deserve the Covid-19 free title as long as possible, she advises. Montenegro registered its first cases of Covid-19 in the middle of March. Cases reached a total of 324, and the disease claimed nine lives.
Hrapović: End of COVID-19 epidemic in Montenegro is a joint success
Montenegro was the last country to register its first case of Covid-19 and the first to succeed in rooting out the virus, said the minister of health, Kenan Hrapovic. Hrapovic applauded the efforts of the country's healthcare workers and thanked citizens for this joint success. He said that responsible behavior and a shared concern for health in the days ahead would be the ticket to preserving the proud title of being a corona-free country. Hrapovic said that in the coming period, the healthcare system would be focused on monitoring, development, and preparedness to respond to epidemiological indicators.
Consultation with OSCE
The Speaker of Parliament Ivan Brajovic will join a video conference today with the heads of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and heads of parliamentary delegations of the region's OSCE countries. The meeting will discuss activities within the scope of OSCE competencies in light of the current global health crisis.
Seafarers return home
A group of 10 seafarers stranded for nine months abroad has finally returned home to Montenegro. The group has been quarantined at the Dr. Simo Milosevic Institute in Igalo. Their return required flight changes in Hong Kong, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Zagreb, and Dubrovnik. Seafarer Gojko Vukojevic says many more of his colleagues remain stranded and appeals to all people and organizations in Montenegro to help bring them home to their families.
Orlandić: Large airlines at airports starting in June, no worker to lose the job
Airports of Montenegro (ACG) director, Danilo Orlandić, says in an interview for Dnevne Novine newspaper that judging from conversations with colleagues in the region and the EU, it can be inferred that travel will resume this summer, and probably without Covid-19 testing and quarantines. He says certain things will remain crucial, however: 1.5-meter physical distancing, mandatory mask-wearing, and frequent hand disinfection. Orlandić adds that yesterday's announcement that Montenegro is corona free has positively influenced airlines, who are very interested in resuming flights to Montenegro's airports. Orlandić estimates that ACG revenues dropped 65% in March and more than 90% in April and that this month will register similar figures. He stresses, however, that no worker will remain without a job.
COVID-19 puts a halt to issuing passports, steep path to €15m
The coronavirus pandemic has slowed the implementation of the economic citizenship project, but not stopped it, says the director of the Montenegro Investment Agency (MIA), Dejan Medojevic. He adds that 6 out of 28 applications have fulfilled procedural requirements. MIA projected it would gain €15m in revenues this year from this project, but given the current health and economic crisis, that sum will be challenging to achieve.
Cheaper loans needed to combat COVID-19 crisis
Banking Ombudsman Halil Kalac believes that more favorable lending conditions are necessary to mitigate the negative consequences of the coronavirus pandemic. Kalac says Montenegro's economy largely depends on lending conditions, considering that bank loans are the dominant means of providing the funds necessary for company operations. Companies are hoping for more easy procedures for obtaining loans, more extended grace periods, and cheaper financing. It primarily refers to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, which make up most of the economy, Kalac said. The ombudsman reported that the banking system was stable and liquid in the first quarter (January-March) this year and that these trends continued in the second quarter.
The generous gesture of the humble man
Sheng Li, a native of China, living in Herceg Novi, has procured 6,000 protective masks for the town to aid in its fight against the coronavirus. Sheng, who was assisted in this endeavor by Montenegro's Beijing embassy, will donate ten non-contact thermometers, which will be delivered in the next few days. As Dan newspaper notes, Sheng did not want any media coverage of the donation and was even reluctant to take his picture. Herceg Novi's mayor Stevan Katic, and his deputy mayor Milos Konjevic expressed thanks for Sheng's help.
Zeković: Two to a bed in detention, Property Administration ignoring recommendations
The president of the Council for Civic Police Control, Aleksandar Sasa Zekovic, says the Property Administration is directly responsible for current and all future unfavorable international reports on Montenegro. The council has mainly been concerned about the treatment of citizens taken into custody during the coronavirus epidemic. Zeković said, "We have not registered any cases of ill-treatment and torture in police custody. We have indisputably established the responsibility of the Property Administration."
As Zekovic points out, the Property Administration ignored the recommendations of international and domestic bodies for the prevention of torture and the daily requests of the Police Administration in all municipalities of Montenegro to improve detention conditions, which were inadequate for coronavirus circumstances immediately. Detention centers are overcrowded, some putting two people to a bed, some lack drinking water, and means for maintaining hygiene.
This brief is kindly prepared for you by Arhimed & Represent Communications.
25 May 2020, 12:38 PM
May 25, 2020 - Montenegro is the last country in Europe to be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is also the first to boast the status of a corona free destination after 68 days of the first recorded cases of infection. Therefore, it is not surprising that there is great interest when Montenegro will open its borders and approve the arrival of foreign citizens in our country.
For now, it is possible to come to Montenegro only by small private planes, but we expect additional liberalization of air and road traffic soon, which is still approved only for trucks and transfers organized through diplomatic missions.
The National Coordination Body for Infectious Diseases has approved the opening of the Airports of Montenegro. As of May 20, general aviation flights with a maximum of ten passengers are allowed.
Crew and passengers are required to wear masks during and after the flight and inside the airport building. The crew must remain on the plane during the rotation, and if necessary, they can leave the aircraft in the parking area. Passengers must have a negative PCR test for SARS-COV-2 not older than 48 hours, as well as the crew if they enter Montenegro.
Upon arrival in Montenegro, passengers are issued a certificate that they are under health control, which includes regular self-monitoring of signs and symptoms of the disease. If they feel any signs and symptoms, they are required to report to a local epidemiologist.
Passengers arriving in Montenegro on general aviation flights are not required to stay in quarantine for 14 or 28 days, which is a rule that applies to Montenegrin citizens returning to their country organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Tivat Airport procedure for general aviation flights
The take-off and landing of private, business and other flights of the General Aviation are coordinated with the Operations Center of Tivat Airport. The flight must be announced 24 hours before the scheduled take-off or landing, or in case of emergency on the same day. The Operations Center needs the following information: Name of the operator, type of aircraft, call sign, aircraft registration number, the maximum weight of the plane at take-off, data on the airport of departure/destination, date and estimated time of arrival/departure to/from Tivat Airport.
Contact details of the Tivat Operations Center:
E-MAIL: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
FAX: 0038232670976
TEL: 0038232670975
The liberalization of cross-border road traffic is expected soon
When it comes to the liberalization of cross-border road traffic, the National Coordination Body for Infectious Diseases will wait for the suggestion of the Institute of Public Health of Montenegro. The director of this institution, Dr. Boban Mugoša, pointed out yesterday that, if there are no new cases of COVID-19 infection, Montenegro can declare the end of the epidemic on June 2. Still, he did not specify what that could mean in the context of international traffic.
The meeting of the National Coordination Body for Infectious Diseases with the officials of the Institute of Public Health is scheduled for today at 1 pm. Answering the question of TMN, the head of the Public Relations Bureau of the Government of Montenegro, Srdjan Kusovac, said that it is expected that the liberalization of cross-border road traffic will be one of the topics of today's meeting. The meeting is going to be followed by a press conference scheduled for 5 pm.
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