Đukanović "to step down, when circumstances normalize"

Đukanović "to step down, when circumstances normalize"

PODGORICA -- Milo Đukanović has been quoted as saying that he is at the helm of Montenegro's government "against his will and affinities."

Furthermore, he said he "hoped" to withdraw from this position "after circumstances in the country normalize."

These comments were reportedly made as he met with a group of journalists from the EU. Đukanović also remarked that he twice before left top state positions and then "returned against his will."

Đukanović was asked "whether the time has come to make room for a younger person, after spending 25 years as prime minister or president," the Podgorica daily Vijesti reported, based on the taped conversation to which its reporters said they had access.

Đukanović explained that "the first time, his predecessor fell ill, and the party asked him to finish that term."

According to the newspaper, he avoided answering the question "why he replaced Igor Luškić," stating that at the end of 2012 elections were held in which the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) "narrowly retained the confidence because of the economic situation."

"After the election, the prevailing opinion was that none of us, including me, could observe things from the sidelines, so I'm doing the job somewhat completely against my will and against my interests," said the prime minister, stating that he hoped there would be "normal conditions soon."

A group of ten journalists interviewed Montenegrin officials during the past two days - part of the "Let's Discover Montenegro" project, funded by the European Commission.

Đukanović, who is also chairman of the ruling DPS, is currently serving his...