Dritan Abazović, the leader of the URA Civic Movement, has strongly criticized the interstate agreement with the UAE, arguing that it is detrimental to the citizens and future of Montenegro. He claims that the agreement undermines national laws and European conventions by granting excessive control to foreign investors over Montenegrin land, including strategic areas like Velika Plaža in Ulcinj. Abazović believes that this will lead to foreign investors making decisions about Montenegro’s development without proper consideration for the country’s long-term interests.
Abazović pointed out that neither the Prime Minister nor the Minister provided any convincing reasons to explain why the agreement is beneficial for Montenegro or why it must be urgently adopted. He also criticized the lack of transparency surrounding the deal, especially given the public promotion of businessman Mohamed Alabbar, who has been involved in discussions about the project. Despite claims that the deal does not favor any particular party, Abazović questioned the timing and context in which Alabbar was presented to the public, arguing that it raises concerns about hidden agendas.
The URA leader expressed concern that the agreement allows foreign investors to bypass Montenegrin laws, undermining public interest, and sidestepping standard planning processes. He emphasized that in any proper development project, top architects and ecologists should first create a concept, followed by an international competition for the project. However, he claimed this deal circumvents that process and could lead to unregulated development in areas that should be preserved.
Abazović clarified that while he did meet with Alabbar and suggested Velika Plaža as a potential investment site, there were no formal negotiations, and any such discussions would have been made public. He stressed that the development of Velika Plaža should prioritize environmental preservation, with careful planning to ensure a balance between tourism and nature.
Additionally, Abazović voiced concerns that the agreement could be linked to ulterior motives, including potential connections to cigarette smuggling, given the UAE’s involvement in shipments to Montenegro. He also expressed frustration that key government officials in charge of tourism and economic affairs were not involved in presenting the deal, suggesting that personal interests and political motivations might be at play.
In conclusion, Abazović emphasized the importance of developing a national strategy that focuses on Montenegro’s unique natural assets rather than adopting development models inspired by cities like Dubai. He believes that the country’s future should be built on sustainable and thoughtful development, with an emphasis on preserving its environment for future generations.
