PM Krivokapić's statement on the occasion of International Day against Fascism and Antisemitism

The most heinous atrocities in the history of mankind began long before they were committed – with words, disguised and imperceptibly, and not even the most beautiful and humane words were later sufficient to prevent the crimes of totalitarianism, committed in the name of a nation, state, ideology, flag, religion, or atheism. The civil state and all its institutions are obliged to monitor, recognise and proactively participate in condemning and sanctioning all kinds of chauvinism, discrimination, totalitarianism, revanchism, hatred and violence.

On this day, when we mark the International Day against Fascism and Antisemitism, and when we say or write the word Holocaust, we should always remember that Nazism rose as a supposedly legal political response to the idea of Versailles Europe and liberal democracy, and ended with idolatry to the dictator, with war, violence, crimes and the Holocaust - with the blood of millions of innocent and unprotected people.

In accordance with that fact, all countries are on the social maturity test every day and the results of that test cannot be hidden from anyone. All factors of Montenegrin society are obliged to take into account the demanding, subtle balance that must exist between the freedoms and rights of all citizens of Montenegro, so that a legitimate, evolutionary struggle for freedom and rights would never become a tool in the hands of individuals and policies leading to fascism, chauvinism, totalitarianism or dictatorship.

This Government and I, as its Prime Minister, will never, for the sake of current or special interests, give up the universal principles of humanity, cosmopolitanism, pacifism and anti-fascism, that we cherish and on which Montenegro rests.

One can easily cross the line in the name of patriotism or "higher interests". If we endanger others, there is no patriotism. At the core of any idealism and enthusiasm for the state, nation, flag, religion or idea, there should be, first and foremost, respect towards others and the general, universal interest - justice, equality, freedom, democracy, stability, inclusiveness and solidarity.