Duško Knežević, a prominent businessman currently in custody in Spuž, has disclosed his significant intermediary role in the transfer of ownership of Podgorica and Tivat airports from Serbia to Montenegro.

This revelation comes at a time when the focus in Montenegro is on a tender process for granting a 30-year concession for these airports, which has been ongoing for seven years.

In his written testimony, shared through his attorney, Dražen Medojević, Knežević emphasized that he played a pivotal role in negotiations that led to the transfer of ownership, formalized in 2003, transferring the operational management to the Public Enterprise Airports of Montenegro.

The negotiations involved key figures from the Serbian government, including then-Prime Minister Zoran Đinđić, as well as representatives from the Yugoslav Airlines (JAT).

Knežević noted that the discussions started in 2001, with him and Branimir Gvozdenović, the Deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro for Economic Policy and Development, representing Montenegrin interests.

The negotiations concluded with an agreement at the end of 2001, under which Montenegro acquired ownership of the airports for €5.5 million, which would be balanced against operational costs from JAT flights landing at these airports.

He stated, "We conducted an excellent job for Montenegro," highlighting that the transfer of the airports was a strategic decision given their location near popular tourist destinations.

Knežević further reflected on the complexity of the negotiations and the underlying motivations for Serbia's agreement to transfer ownership at that time, despite the broader geopolitical context.

The formal transfer occurred on March 4, 2003, when the agreement was signed by representatives of JAT and the Airports of Montenegro.

This followed shortly before the assassination of Prime Minister Đinđić, which affected the political landscape of the region.

Knežević has expressed his involvement in various business agreements benefiting the Montenegrin government, including negotiations for the purchase of the Podgorica Bank and Berane Bank.

He claimed these actions were undertaken without any commission, driven by his international connections.

His contributions also extend to attracting foreign investments in Montenegro, including partnerships with various investors that resulted in substantial investments, contributing to job creation in the region.

Projects highlighted include collaborations with the royal family from Abu Dhabi and Azerbaijani SOCAR Group.

In addition, Knežević's Atlas Group was noted for its educational investments, including the establishment of Montenegro's first private university, and the awarding of scholarships to deserving students through the Atlas Foundation.

His role in promoting Montenegro's integration into Euro-Atlantic structures was also acknowledged as significant, featuring financing from his business endeavors.