Montenegro and Germany sign momentous war graves agreement

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• Foreign ministers Rocen and Westerwelle describe the agreement as a milestone marking the beginning of an even closer friendship between Montenegro and Germany
• Mr Westerwelle pledges German support to Montenegro’s EU integration and welcomes government efforts to step up reform

 Podgorica, Montenegro (10 August 2011) -- Foreign Minister Milan Rocen and his German counterpart Guido Westerwelle signed an agreement providing a military cemetery for around 2000 German soldiers who died in Montenegro in WWII.

Addressing a press conference after the signing ceremony, FM Rocen stated that this is a very important day, when Montenegro ‘takes a major historical and civilizational step forward’, which marks the beginning of an even closer friendship between the two nations.

He underlined that Mr Westerwelle’s visit also comes at a very important moment in Montenegro’s European integration process, as the country strives to meet the requirements for the opening of EU entry talks.

The German FM echoed his counterpart’s words about the extraordinary importance of the war graves agreement and expressed German support for Montenegro’s EU aspirations. He, however, noted that Montenegro still has a long journey ahead, which involves meeting the EU accession requirements through reform.

“If you continue down the path of decisive reform, Europe will stay on the path of Montenegro’s European integration, without reserve,” Mr Westerwelle remarked.

FM Rocen thanked his German opposite number for taking the time to talk to the Montenegrin opposition, the civil society and the independent media, whom he described as members of a broad national pro-European league, which enables Montenegro to meet the increasingly demanding commitments on its EU accession path.

The German FM described the EU as Europe’s most successful project, and a guarantee of national wellbeing and prosperity in times of globalization.

He welcomed the Montenegrin government’s determination to intensify reforms in the rule of law, fight against corruption and organized crime and media freedom.