Lasić on Serbian Flag Above Vitaljina on Victory Day
Konavle Chief Warns of Absurdity of Displaying Serbia's Emblem on Montenegrin Soil and Calls for Resolving Open Issues with Southern Neighbor.
Konavle Chief Warns of Absurdity of Displaying Serbia's Emblem on Montenegrin Soil and Calls for Resolving Open Issues with Southern Neighbor.
On the feast day of Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and the Day of Croatian Defenders, August 5, 2026, a Serbian tricolor was hoisted on the church of St. Elijah above Vitaljina. The church is located on the territory of the Republic of Montenegro, and the entire event drew a sharp reaction from the head of the Konavle Municipality, Božo Lasić, who in a Facebook post called the act an unnecessary provocation that does not contribute to mutual trust.
Lasić immediately emphasized that Croatia has no jurisdiction to determine which symbols may be displayed on the territory of another sovereign state. "Since this is an area outside the Republic of Croatia, it is not up to us to decide what will be displayed there. However, the fact that the Serbian flag was hoisted precisely on the day when Croatia celebrates its victory and pays tribute to Croatian defenders is, for many, an unnecessary provocation that does not contribute to building mutual trust," the chief wrote.
He particularly highlighted the oddity of a situation where the state emblem of one country stands on the territory of another, independent state. "It is hard not to notice a certain paradox in the Serbian flag flying on the territory of the Republic of Montenegro, a sovereign and independent state. This raises a legitimate question about what message such an act sends-not only to Croatia but also to Montenegro itself, which has chosen the European path and which should build its identity on its own statehood, European values, and good neighborly relations," Lasić said.
He went on to remind that Croatia, as a member of the European Union and a friendly country, stands at Montenegro's disposal on its path toward the Union. However, he added, true alliance also requires the will to resolve the accumulated problems that continue to burden bilateral relations.
The head of Konavle specifically listed what needs to be resolved: war reparations for the destruction and burning of Konavle during the Homeland War, compensation for Croatian citizens who were detained and tortured on Montenegrin soil during the conflict, and the final demarcation of the border between the two countries.
"Only truth, responsibility, and mutual respect can be the foundation for lasting reconciliation and good neighborly relations," Lasić emphasized. He added that Croatia built its European future on victory, freedom, and democratic principles, expressing confidence that Montenegro, by confronting the legacy of the past and resolving open issues, will also make an important step toward full European partnership.
In closing, he congratulated all defenders and citizens on the holiday: "To all Croatian defenders and all citizens, I congratulate Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and the Day of Croatian Defenders. May the memory of those who won our freedom serve as a lasting reminder that peace, dignity, and truth have no alternative."
