Podgorica, (MINA) – Montenegro’s current challenges are not the result of recent developments, but years of undermining of the security system, Prime Minister Milojko Spajic said, adding that the vetting process in the police and security sector will address this legacy, and establish services that will work in the interest of citizens and the state.

He didn’t want to directly answer the MPs questions during the special session of the Parliament, opting instead to submit written responses to the deputies.

When asked by URA MP Dritan Abazovic whether, after numerous murders and the resurgence of clashes of criminals on the streets, he still maintains the position that he is not interested in the security sector, Spajic said that Abazovic’s words are malicious misinterpretation intended to discredit him.

As he clarified in his written reply, his earlier statement referred exclusively to the strict observance of the principle of operational independence and the application of the principle of depoliticization when it comes to the actions of the intelligence and security sector agencies.

Spajic said that thanks to the commitment of the National Security Council and the Bureau for Operational Coordination, the cooperation among intelligence and security agencies is at the highest level.

He said that during the Abazovic’s Government, individuals who are now being arrested and are being charged by the Special State Prosecutor’s Office for crimes with elements of organized crime, were appointed to key positions in the intelligence and security sector.

“But rest assured – through the vetting process in the police and the security sector, we will also address this legacy, establishing a professional and efficient service that works in the interest of citizens and the state. The reign of crime in the security sector has come to an end”, said Spajic.

Spajic added further that the process of purging the police force of those with ties to criminal structures, or those otherwise deemed unfit for police duties, has his full support.

He concluded by saying that it is clear that the vetting process bothers some people and that there are attempts to sabotage it, adding that the institutions will have an adequate response to that as well.