04 October 2019 - Prime Minister Duško Marković and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo noted that the first official visit of a US Secretary of State to Montenegro testifies to the fact that the two countries foster friendship and alliance.

"Following the visit of Vice President Mike Pence, this is further evidence of the excellent relations between our two countries and a sign that the United States values ​​our alliance and constructive role in the region and beyond," Prime Minister Duško Marković underscored at the joint press conference, describing the first visit of a US Secretary of State to Montenegro as historic. Secretary of State Pompeo made the same assessment.

Montenegro still does not have a legally-regulated method of disposing of or scrapping vehicle tyres. Generally, official landfills do not have permission to store them and there are no facilities for recycling (most likely due to their unprofitability). In the meantime, tyres are dumped next to rubbish containers, are frequently thrown on the side of the road, are burned, or are reused and resold by members of the Roma community.

Although they are non-hazardous, special waste (alongside scrap vehicles, packaging, electrical and electronic equipment, batteries and accumulators), their disposal is not only the problem of the competent institutions, but also of the manufacturers and importers of tyres and ultimately, of individuals.

Herceg Novi, alongside Kotor and Podgorica, is struggling with this problem. Until the state authorities find a solution, the tyres will continue to be the main waste at Duboki Do landfill, and “Čistoća”, the Herceg Novi waste management service, has been granted a licence to use the site.

“It is currently difficult to give a figure as to how many individual tyres are at Duboki Do, but the total amount is somewhere between 80 and 90 tonnes, and that’s only tyres collected last year,” Director of “Čistoća” Vladimir Arsić told Radio Jadran.

“Unlike Tivat, Kotor and Podgorica, where tyres are burned, we received a decision from the Directorate for Waste Management and Municipal Development under the Ministry of Tourism and Sustainable Development, and were given an additional location to where the tyres should be taken, to the existing landfill at Tisove Grede that we correctly filled and fenced off. We were still able to dispose of tyres at the latter, but given that at one point the landfill was subject to burning, we requested permission to dispose of tyres at Duboki Do,” he stated.

Arsić also stated that all tyres were collected at the Recycling Centre, with some being removed occasionally to the Tisove Grede landfill. Others were removed by the company Arabis from Nikšić. This “work” is currently subject to court proceedings, as it was carried out without agreement by “Čistoća”,” claims Arsić.

“We have sued the owner for monthly bills we received for storage at one of his premises close to a house, bills which we subsequently returned. The commercial court did not on any occasion call “Čistoća” to the hearing to explain that someone had removed the tyres without a prior, written agreement between former Director Bonić and the firm,” he claims.

Arsić further claims that they had tried to resolve the issue of waste tyres with a firm from Cetinje, whose site would be used for disposal, however:

“This was before the start of disposal at Duboki Do. The company from Cetinje at the time was the only one with a licence to dispose of tyres. However, we were asked to pay 200 euros per tonne of tyres if we were to transport them ourselves, and 250 euros for removal and disposal. We weren’t in a position to pay that money, although that was actually a good thing, as the firm later lost their licence,” Arsić recounts.

One concerned resident of Herceg Novi recently shared a photo with the Facebook group “Prezadovoljni građani” Herceg Novi, showing a line of tyres several hundred metres long. Arsić explained that the tyres are thrown from the trucks in that way so that the excavator can push the tyres back every 10-15 days to free up space.

He further stated that they did not want to remove the tyres from the recycling centre, however at one point there were so many that trucks no longer had room to manoeuvre, and so authorization was sought to remove them to the landfill site. This was the only solution, as there was no option to transport them to another country where they could be used for other purposes.

Previously, at least at a local level, there had been ideas to construct a site to recycle tyres, as advocated by the former management of the Kotor Municipal Utility Company, headed by Mladen Lučić.

Conversely, burning tyres in the open air, which inevitably happens during the May Day holidays and is practiced by many young people, is prohibited and punishable under the Waste Management Act.

Although there are no precise, official figures, according to some estimates, 200,000 car and around 13,000 truck tyres are imported to Montenegro annually.

Source: Radio Jadran

October 4, 2019 - The Fractal Drawing Workshop will be held on October 5 from 5 pm to 8 pm at the Art Quarter premises at the Igalo Institute.

03 October 2019 - Unicaja Malaga showed its character by downing Buducnost VOLI Podgorica 83-70 at home in EuroCup Group D on Wednesday. Volodymyr Herun paced the winners with 19 points in less than 19 minutes and Josh Adams added 15 on 5-of-7 three-point shots for Unicaja. Scott Bamforth led Buducnost with 19 points and Justin Cobbs added 16. Bamforth had 11 first-quarter points to lead Buducnost to an 18-25 lead after 10 minutes. Carlos Suarez and Jaime Fernandez rescued Unicaja and Adams allowed the hosts to get a 48-42 margin at halftime. Unicaja led throughout the second half and took off midway through the fourth quarter to seal the outcome.

Suad Sehovic got Buducnost going with a three-pointer and a layup by Bamforth soon gave his team a 2-5 lead. Unicaja found a go-to guy in Herun, who singlehandedly gave the hosts their first lead, 9-7. Herun kept pacing Unicaja, scoring 12 points in the opening 6 minutes for a 14-9 margin. Bamforth struck from downtown, igniting a 0-12 run in which Cobbs had 7 points, good for a 14-21 lead. Bamforth remained unstoppable, leading the visitors to an 18-25 margin after 10 minutes. Carlos Suarez and Alberto Diaz each nailed a triple to make it 24-27 early in the second quarter. Nikola Ivanovic and Hassan Martin stepped up for Buducnost, but Frank Elegar, Fernandez and Suarez fueled an 11-0 run that put Unicaja in charge, 35-31. Aleksa Avramovic took over with a backdoor layup and Adams did better with back-to-back three-pointers for a 43-35 Unicaja cushion.

Ivanovic and Cobbs tried to change things for Buducnost, but Fernandez and an unstoppable Adams kept Unicaja in charge, 48-42, at halftime. Herun and Fernandez scored around the basket soon after the break and another triple by Adams made it a double-digit game, 55-45. Adams hit his fifth shot, getting help from Deon Thompson and Diaz to keep Unicaja way ahead, 63-51. Martin and Bamforth brought Buducnost a bit closer, 67-59, after 30 minutes. A three-pointer by Danilo Nikolic gave the visitors hope at 69-62 with 7 minutes left. Waczynski answered from downtown, igniting a game-breaking 12-0 run which Herun capped with a layup that sealed the outcome, 81-62, long before the final buzzer.

Adams blew up the game with his shots from downtown; he hit 3 of them late in the first half to put Unicaja ahead for good and added 2 more after the break to ignite the crowd. Adams finished the game with 15 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 fouls drawn and a performance index rating of 15 - all in his first-ever EuroCup game.

Buducnost managed to get within 69-62 with 7 minutes left and Unicaja was struggling on offense. Waczynski and Diaz each hit a three-pointer in a 12-0 run that helped the hosts put the victory on ice. The great fourth-quarter defense made it possible, too - Unicaja allowed 11 points in the final 10 minutes.

Three-point shots and its overall aggressiveness allowed Unicaja to win the game. Unicaja hit 10 of 29 three-pointers (34.5%) and limited Buducnost to just 4 of 17 (23.5%). Unicaja won in offensive rebounds (12-9), steals (7-3) and blocks (3-2). The game went to the team that wanted it more.

For the second time in three EuroCup campaigns, Unicaja opened the regular season against Buducnost. Back on October 19, 2016, Unicaja downed Buducnost 62-86 in Podgorica behind 19 points from Jamar Smith. Unicaja went on to win the EuroCup title that season. Suarez, Waczynski and Diaz played that game and are still with the team.

Both teams return to EuroCup action on Wednesday, October 9. Unicaja visits Adecco Arka Gdynia in what will be a very special game for Polish swingman Adam Waczynski. Later that evening, Buducnost hosts Dolomiti Energia Trento.

Source: EuroCup 7Days News

Read more news about sports in Montenegro at TMN's dedicated page.

03 October 2019 - Montenegro Airlines has provided the passengers of Slovenian Adria Airways to travel to their desired destinations under very favorable conditions.

Representatives of Montenegro Airlines said they'll offer 60 EUR flights for Podgorica-Ljubljana, as well as from Podgorica or Tivat to Belgrade. For other destinations the ticket will cost 90 EUR.

Passengers who have a YM flight or have an Adria Airways ticket and want to use them on direct YM flights will be offered 60 EUR for the Podgorica-Ljubljana line, the representatives of this company said in a public statement.

The offer includes a single piece of luggage with standard dimensions (up to 23 kilograms), and 158 centimeters maximum. The offer is valid from 1 to 10 October and refers to flights operated by Montenegro Airlines.

Montenegro Airlines adopted the decision on introducing special prices after Slovenian Adria Airways declared bankruptcy owing to insolvency, reports Cafe del Montenegro.

Read more news about traveling through Montenegro at TMN's dedicated page.

October 3, 2019 - The HSF association of comic lovers confirmed their quality work by another extremely successful and, according to the participants and visitors, superbly organized edition of the Herceg Novi Strip Festival. The thirteenth HSF took place in several locations in Herceg Novi in early September, getting together the most prominent strip authors of today. But, there is no rest. They continue the mission of networking with regional events dedicated to the ninth art.

The National Tourism Organisation of Montenegro is participating in the international tourism fair IFTM Top Resa from the 1st to 4th of October in Paris, as part of its promotional activities on the French market.

At the National Tourism Organisation’s stand in Paris, local tourist organisations are participating from Bar, Ulcinj, Budva, Kotor, Podgorica, and Bijelo Polje, alongside JP Morsko Dobro, Montenegro Airlines, Montenegro Stars Hotels Group, HG Budva Rivijera, Beppler & Jacobson Montenegro, Lazure Hotel & Marina, and agencies Montenegro Tourist Service, Luminalis DMC and MTO Travel.

IFTM Top Resa brings together a large number of exhibitors from over 160 countries worldwide. Some 34,000 tourism professionals and 1,000 media representatives are expected from across the globe. After participating in the fair NTO Montenegro and partners will organise a study trip to Montenegro for the largest French tour operators.

Paris Fair IFTM Top Resa: NTO Montenegro

There were many interested visitors to the Montenegrin stand even on the first day, where they were allowed to discover the wide variety of what is on offer for tourists in Montenegro, the natural and cultural sights, options for active nature holidays and favourable arrangements for tourists. During the fair, French tourists have the opportunity to discover the culinary delights of Montenegro, with tasting sessions of home-made delicacies.

“Known as particularly curious tourists, the French want to take in as much as they can from their annual holiday. The main reasons for French tourists visiting Montenegro are to see the cultural sights, discover the natural heritage and local gastronomy, as well as sports and adventure tourism,” stated the Organisation.

In recent years, French tourists have been choosing Montenegro as their holiday destination in ever greater numbers. In 2018, Montenegro saw double-digit growth on the French market, and the trend continued this year. From the start of the year to the end of August, 9.3% more French tourists stayed in group accommodation (hotels and those of similar capacity), staying for 5.7% more nights. From the total tourist traffic in the first eight months of this year, French tourists made up 6.3% of foreign visitor trips, 8.1% in terms of numbers of nights. The French are in third place in terms of nights spent by foreign tourists. The average length of stay at their destination is five days. 

Besides the quality of what is on offer, the availability of flight connections has had an impact on the number of tourists visiting from this market. Montenegro Airlines runs regular flights from Podgorica and Tivat to Paris and Lyon, and last year saw growth of 59.5% in the number of French travellers, compared to 2017. Concerning French traffic, Transavia France runs flights from April to November on the Paris-Podgorica route, and SmartWings runs from Lille between May and November.

The National Tourism Agency of Montenegro, together with local tourism organisations and the tourism industry, hosted a study group in May for prominent journalists from France, including representatives from GEO Magazine, the most widely-read tourism publication in France. Seven reports on Montenegro are soon to be published in the magazine. Recently, the French publication The Good Life also wrote about Montenegro as an attractive tourist destination worth visiting.

Source: Radio Jadran

02 October 2019 - Montenegro is recognized as a promoter of peace, social inclusion and cohesion, tolerance and regional cooperation, economic growth and stability in the part of the world characterized by complex interstate relations, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Srđan Darmanović at the Days of Dialogue Conference.

The two-day reunion Days of Dialogue: Let’s talk about the future, was opened in Podgorica today, gathering over a hundred participants from different sectors, with the aim of opening conversation about social cohesion in Montenegro and the region.

The event is organized by the UNDP program and supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Minister Srđan Dramanović said that Montenegro was recognized as a promoter of peace, social inclusion and cohesion, tolerance and regional cooperation, economic growth and stability in that part of the world characterized by complex interstate relations.

He pointed out that target groups in this project – young people, women, and media – were one of the most important factors of the creation of a mature and responsible society, strengthening trust and promotion of dialogue and tolerance.

"Montenegro will remain a reliable UN partner in the activities aimed at strengthening peace, coexistence, and tolerance in the region and worldwide," pointed out Darmanović.

Daniela Gasparikova, the permanent UNDP representative in Montenegro, said that she had visited Montenegro for the first time in 1998, reports CdM.

"The progress is evident: Montenegro has achieved so much in the process of democratization, equality and respect for differences. In addition, it plays an important role in the stability of the region. Since I was appointed a permanent UNDP representative, I have been travelling across the country in order to feel life in local communities. What I saw is the richness of diversity and that is Montenegro’s advantage and a strong foundation for further progress," concluded Gasparikova.

Participants in the two-day dialogue come from all different kinds of spheres. Dialogue for the Future provides a platform where people from different social spheres meet and create solutions for a better future. Highest officials from three countries have joined forces with UN organizations, endeavoring to contribute to inclusive growth around the region.

"Dialogue for the Future” regional program is financed by UN funds for peace development. A key partner in the implementation of this project in Montenegro is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Also, the Ministry of Sport, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Human and Minority rights are actively engaged in the program.

In the next two days, participants will get the opportunity to create solutions for the communities, countries and the region, for the sake of citizens. Finally, the solutions will be presented in the regional dialogue in Sarajevo at the end of November.

Read more news about lifestyle in Montenegro at TMN's dedicated page.

02 October 2019 - According to the National Statistical Office (MONSTAT), over 118.068 tourists visited the capital city of Montenegro - Podgorica between 1 January and 31 August of 2019 and that is 7% more than in the same period last year.

In June, July and August, around 61.028 tourists visited the Capital and there were 101.600 overnight stays, the representatives of the Tourist Organization Podgorica stated.

According to data, 8.653 tourists visited Podgorica in June, and there were 31.273 overnight stays, whereas, in July, there were 20.664 tourists and 31.798 overnight stays.

A total of 21.711 tourist arrivals were recorded in August, which is 13% more than last year, with 38.559 overnight stays. The progress in Podgorica tourism is the result of several factors, the development of the tourism product in Podgorica being one of them. All segments in the tourism offer have synergy. In addition, offer in tourism in the Capital tends to include some new amenities, in accordance with the tourists’ demands, their tastes, and tourism market trends.

As far as the tourism offer in Podgorica is concerned, representatives of TO say that NP Skadar lake stands out, as it offers numerous possibilities: hiking, bird-watching, cruising…

Other attractive locations in Podgorica include the greatest vineyard in Europe, "Plantaže", wine cellar "Šipčanik” and archaeological sites, Medun and Duklja. There is a huge interest in cultural and religious tourism too.

Tourists also want to feel the spirit of the town and visit the old streets downtown, bridges, Castle of Petrović family and museums and galleries, reports Cafe del Montenegro.

Podgorica Culture Summer contains all the segments from the area of art. Another interesting event is "Lets’ go to Morača”. This summer saw Regional Kayak regatta, with the aim of promoting rivers in Podgorica and their immense potential for the development of selective forms of tourism and numerous sports.

"As for the newer events, we will mention Podgorica Holiday and Spring Market, the event contributing to the improvement of tourism offer and further promotion of the Capital," said the representatives of TO.

Read more news about lifestyle in Montenegro at TMN's dedicated page.

 Skadar Lake National Park was visited by 127,572 tourists this year, which is 49 percent more than last year, and twice as much as in 2017, said Nenad Ivanovic, the director of the park.

He pointed out that 2019 was record-breaking in attendance, with ticket revenues exceeding half a million euros. As many as 1,500 tourists visit the Lake in one day.

“This year, we have aggressive growth and the postseason is outstanding. The reasons for such a drastic increase in visitors are indeed in a good campaign at international fairs, investments in tourism infrastructure and the introducing of the e-visitor application," said Ivanovic, noting that this number refers only to tourists who cruise Skadar lake, while the real number of guests who visit and individually tour the park is much larger.
 
Tourists who visited Skadar Lake this year are from many countries around the world, most of them from France and Germany.

"There are very few countries from which there were no tourists. More and more are from the Far East," Ivanovic said.

He adds that the post-season is also very successful and that tourists are expected to arrive by early November.

"In September and October, groups have come who paid for the visit in advance. They come regardless of the weather. In mid-October, we expect a slight decline, and from November 10 there are no more tourists. Let's say we had 800 tourists on Wednesday, September 25th, and our record was 1,500 tourists in one day. In June, we had the smallest growth due to rainy weather," he added.

Ivanovic points out that they must work on improving the infrastructure. Thus, recently they have made a track on Virpazar, which is multi-purpose, and above all, facilitates and enables a safer crossing of the main road and the Podgorica-Bar railway. It is important for security reasons, because now visitors and residents of this place will be able to cross the railway and the intersection safely, and I am sure that it will enable a better valorization of the area," Ivanovic said.

The park management plans to procure two new tourist boats next year. He adds that it is a particular business, since 130 private vessels already operate on the lake.

“There are a large number of locals involved in the business. There are more than 80 locals who own these boats and they have to make some deal with them which is very difficult. National parks have been conceived since their inception as institutions that will improve the quality of life for people living in these areas, ”said Ivanovic.
 
He also noted that the temporary facilities plan expires at the end of the year and that a new one should be made in the next three to five years.

“We also plan to provide parking spaces, because that is a problem in Virpazar, and it is something that is basic. We will ask for temporary facilities to be leased for a period of three years, not just a year as before. Because if you are the owner of something for three years you have the desire and the will to devote to it, ”explains Ivanovic.

Source: Pobjeda