PM Lukšić launches consultations on constitutional amendments with opposition

Podgorica, Montenegro (22 February 2012) – Prime Minister Igor Lukšić launched yesterday the consultation on constitutional amendments with the presidents of opposition parties in Montenegro: Andrija Mandić (Nova), Nebojša Medojević (PzP), Mehmet Bardhi (DSCG), Genci Nimanbegu (FORCA) and Vasel Sinishtaj (Koalicioni Shqiptar Perspektiva). The aim of the consultations is to reach an agreement on Constitutional amendments, as one of the key benchmarks for further Montenegro’s progress towards the EU membership.

PM Lukšić stressed the need for better understanding of all political stakeholders and reaching a broad consensus on issues essential for the further democratisation and overall development of the Montenegrin society.

It was commonly agreed that the role of the judiciary is crucial in the European integration process, as one of the key priorities of Montenegro’s foreign policy. In this regard, it is important to continue the activities towards strengthening judicial independence and autonomy and focus all available skills and capacities on meeting the demanding EU agenda, regardless of the different solutions to certain issues.

Emphasising the necessity to continue the dialogue on constitutional amendments, the presidents of opposition parties pointed out the need for reaching an agreement on a set of requirements that deal with identity issues and the status of minorities in Montenegro.

PM Lukšić confirmed the Government’s openness to continue the dialogue on key issues significant for the Montenegrin society, stressing the role of each individual in the creation of a European future for the country and achieving a better standard of living for all its citizens.