EU’s Miroslav Lajcak: EU issues should not be conditioned by others

Podgorica, Montenegro (24 February 2012) -- EU wants to see a responsible, pro-European attitude of all political parties to European issues in the Montenegrin Parliament, as European perspective is everyone’s perspective, Miroslav Lajcak, Managing Director for Russia, Eastern Neighbourhood and the Western Balkans in European External Action Service, told the press after talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Milan Roćen.

He continued by saying that the EU does not approve the European issues to be conditioned by other issue.

“There is a need for political dialogue on all relevant issue”, he emphasised, “but, as far as EU matters are concerned, they should have the strong support in the Parliament.”

Mr Lajcak praised the progress Montenegro achieved at both domestic and international levels, thus proving its maturity to contribute to the processes of stabilisation and association of the whole region.

Foreign Minister Roćen remarked on this occasion that the EU is not a “humanitarian organisation” and that its membership has to be fully deserved.
“There are no shortcuts on the European path, and Montenegro does not expect them”, Minister Roćen stressed.

He also sees the opening of EU accession talks as more important than its termination, as it is a great opportunity for further democratisation of the Montenegrin society, strengthening the rule of law and building efficient state institutions according to European model.