Minister Grlić Radman in Montenegro: Culture of remembrance; the importance of resolving outstanding issues

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman paid a working visit to Montenegro on Saturday, 4 October 2025.

By laying wreaths and lighting candles before the memorial plaque at the site of the former Morinj camp, in the presence of delegations from Croatia and Montenegro, the 34th anniversary of the establishment of the Morinj camp was commemorated. This act, marking the fourth consecutive year since the memorial plaque was unveiled in October 2022, pays tribute to all victims and survivors of the camp.

The delegation accompanying Grlić Radman included three former detainees of the Morinj camp and representatives of the Dubrovnik Camp Prisoners' Association - Zlatko Bagoje, Vlaho Veramenta, and Igor Guljelmović. Also in the delegation were Croatian Ambassador of to Montenegro Veselko Grubišić, State Secretary at the Ministry of Defence Tomislav Galić, the Minister's Special Adviser Vanda Babić Galić, Prefect of Dubrovnik-Neretva County Blaž Pezo, President of the Dubrovnik City Council Marko Potrebica, and Mayor of Konavle Božo Lasić.

"The culture of remembrance is important not only for Croatia and the victims, but also for Montenegro - it is important for all of us, so that we may preserve that memory and ensure that the new generations understand the dark moments of our shared history and what took place," said Grlić Radman.

The minister noted that progress has been made regarding some of the outstanding issues, particularly on compensation for the former detainees of the Morinj camp. However, he emphasized that it is unacceptable for Croatia that the city swimming pool in Kotor bears the name of Zoran "Džimi" Gopčević, a former well-known water polo player whom Zagreb claims was a guard at the Morinj camp.

At the former Morinj camp, 317 people from the Dubrovnik region were detained under inhumane conditions. A total of 169 detainees testified about the mistreatment they endured. Four individuals were convicted of war crimes in connection with the camp and sentenced to a total of 12 years in prison.

Grlić Radman underlined that the cases of the Lora military prison and the Morinj camp cannot be equated, noting that such comparisons are often politically motivated. He recalled that Croatian judicial authorities had conducted proceedings in the Lora case, resulting in final and binding verdicts.

"It seems to me that this term is being politicized rather lightly. In the case of the Lora military prison, I must remind everyone that it has always been a military facility within the former Fifth Naval Area. Croatian judicial institutions have initiated proceedings and investigations and have rendered appropriate verdicts. Therefore, any attempt to equate the Morinj camp with a military prison effectively relativizes and diminishes the suffering of the victims of Morinj," said the minister.

Later in Budva, Grlić Radman took part in the To Be Secure forum, speaking on a panel dedicated to the enlargement of the European Union. He reiterated Croatia's support for the enlargement process and Montenegro's accession path, expressing the expectation that Montenegro will remain focused on implementing the reforms necessary for further progress on its EU path, while remaining committed to good neighbourly relations and the resolution of outstanding bilateral issues.

Grlić Radman also held a bilateral meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro, Ervin Ibrahimović. He reaffirmed the importance of continuing work on resolving open issues, which should be addressed as soon as possible and in a mutually acceptable manner, so that they do not burden bilateral relations or Montenegro's EU accession process.

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