U.S. Special Envoy Rubin to arrive in Skopje following visit to Podgorica for talks on countering disinformation
Skopje, 11 April 2023 (MIA) - Special Envoy and Coordinator for the Global Engagement Center James Rubin is expected to arrive in Skopje following his visit to Podgorica, for talks with government officials to solidify support for counter disinformation initiatives.
After Monday's meetings in Podgorica, Rubin said he was convinced that Montenegro will not turn to Belgrade and Moscow again.
He expressed his belief at a press briefing in Podgorica that the fight against disinformation will be a priority of the new government of Montenegro.
Montenegrin media report that according to Rubin, it will be difficult to achieve progress in the Western Balkans if Russian disinformation dominates that area.
He pointed out that there are a number of media outlets in Montenegro that spread disinformation from Russia and China.
"For example, Russia and China repeat that there are biological weapons factories in Ukraine, even though it has been proven that this is not true, or that somehow the United States wanted this war, which is also nonsense," said Rubin.
In addition to Montenegro, Rubin will travel to North Macedonia and Albania this week for talks on countering Russian disinformation, as well as the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina.
"In Podgorica and Skopje, Special Envoy Rubin will meet with government officials to solidify support for counter disinformation initiatives. He will discuss efforts by Russia, the People’s Republic of China, and other malign actors who deploy disinformation to undermine democracy and national security around the globe, and how our nations can collectively counter threats in the information space," said the U.S. Department of State.
While in Tirana, Special Envoy Rubin will take part in meetings with U.S. Ambassadors from the Western Balkans.
Photo: Twitter/James Rubin
