Protest over the agreement between the Government and the UAE: Ulcinj residents blocked the main road at two locations

SOURCE:ANTENA M- AUTHOR:M.J. GDNUS

As a sign of protest against the announced agreement between the Government of Montenegro and the United Arab Emirates, which, according to reports, plans significant investments and interventions in the Velika Plaza area, a one-hour blockade of the main road to Bar took place in the Kruče settlement today.

The blockade lasted from 11:00 to 12:00, and was organized on the eve of a new round of voting in the Parliament of Montenegro on the controversial agreement that has caused concern among a part of the public, especially in Ulcinj. Citizens, led by representatives of political parties participating in the Ulcinj Municipal Assembly, expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of transparency of the process and possible negative consequences for natural resources, especially for the Velika Plaza ecosystem.

The Mayor of Ulcinj, Genci Nimanbegu, stated that today's protest aims to clearly demonstrate the position of the local government and citizens towards potential investments that, as he stated, are not in accordance with the will of the local population.

"We, as a responsible local government, are expressing our clear position towards planned projects that conflict with the interests of our community by symbolically blocking two locations in Ulcinj. We are not opposed to investments, but we demand that they be planned and implemented in accordance with the will of the citizens and while preserving our coast and natural wealth," said Nimanbegu.

He also reminded that Ulcinj is about to start the tourist season and stressed that the priority of the local government is to provide a stable environment for the successful development of tourism.

"Our only goal at this moment is a good and peaceful summer season, which will benefit all citizens of Ulcinj. From this place, together with representatives of political parties and our citizens, we are clearly sending a message - our land is not for sale," said the Mayor.

DUA President Mehmed Zenka said the protest has nothing to do with politics.

“It all comes down to the fate and future of a city. We want to protect what we have painstakingly built over the last 40 and 50 years. We will persevere to the end in defending our city. We are not defending Genci or anyone else, we are defending our Ulcinj,” said Zenka.