Podgorica, Montenegro (30 May 2012) – At the meeting in Podgorica earlier today, President of the Jewish Community in Montenegro Yasha Alfandri and the representatives of the Rabbinical Centre of Europe (RCE) from Brussels awarded Prime Minister Igor Lukֵ¡iִ‡ with a plaquette for extraordinary contribution to the promotion of the Jewish community in Montenegro, the support in its foundation, and the signing of the agreement on mutual relations. The Jewish community representatives and PM Lukֵ¡iִ‡ discussed future cooperation and the RCE representatives underlined and expressed gratitude that in the mid-20th century Montenegro was among the few countries that offered sanctuary to persecuted Jews in one of the most difficult times of their history. In that sense, they underlined the importance of Montenegro’s pluralism, tolerance, and respect for all religions. PM Lukֵ¡iִ‡ underlined that Montenegro’s policy is based on cherishing diversity and protecting distinct identities of all. “We aim to build not only a modern society committed to European values, but to cherish traditions and protect the wealth that is the common life of all peoples and faiths. This is precisely the quality Montenegro brings to Europe and its citizens”, PM Lukֵ¡iִ‡ said.