Ambassador Reinke visited Bijelo Polje April 26-27, 2022, visiting the ethno room established by NGO Niti, hosting an Iftar, and meeting with Ukrainian refugees. The ethno room, located in the former hospital building, was opened thanks to an Embassy-supported project, designed to preserve Montenegro’s traditional crafts and cultural heritage. Ambassador Reinke also hosted an interfaith iftar, with guests from various spheres of society, including religious communities, representatives of NGOs, educators, and media in attendance.
The Ambassador wrapped-up her visit to Bijelo Polje by meeting with recently arrived Ukrainian refugees. Their stories of suffering and displacement make very clear the human cost of the brutal, inhumane, and unjustified war Putin is waging on the people of Ukraine. This is not just an attack on Ukraine, but on the entire system of international security that has largely kept the peace in Europe since the end of WWII. Montenegro has a deep stake in this conflict because it will be less secure if Russia undermines European security.
Ambassador Reinke concluded her time in Bijelo Polje with a visit to the Strpci Memorial. Until we face the past with openness and honesty, healing and reconciliation will never be truly possible. The loved ones of those who perished deserve the truth to be known and justice to be served.
