Independence Day: United society and international partnership way forward for Montenegro, says PM Lukšić

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Cetinje, Montenegro (19 May 2012) – Prime Minister Igor Lukšić hosted a reception in the old royal Capital Cetinje on Friday night on the occasion of 21 May, Montenegro’s sixth Independence Day.

PM Lukšić said in his opening speech that every family and house in Montenegro have contributed, in one way or another, to the shaping of Montenegrin history.

“Montenegro was built by statesmen and priests, warriors and reconcilers, thinkers and entrepreneurs, policy makers, humanists, people of undisputed ethical intergity. People so diverse, yet united in their aspiration to achieve the highest value of human society – freedom,“ PM Lukšić emphasised.

The hard journey was crowned, PM Lukšić continued, on 21 May 2006, when, in his words, “Montenegro said ‘Yes!’ to the restoration of independence, ‘Yes!’ to the society of Europe, a society of coexistence and diversity.”

PM Lukšić summed up some of Montenegro’s most important achievements in the past 6 years:

“We have given boost to regional initiatives and taken active role in international organisations such as the UN, the Council of Europe, the OSCE and most recently the World Trade Organisation. We have advanced in EU integration by signing the SAA, visa liberalisation, receiving candidate status and should soon start accession negotiations, and we are a step away from NATO membership. We have become a credible regional and international partner. We have been recognised as champions of European and Euro-Atlantic integration processes.”

He also reiterated some of the hard times, such as natural disasters, and underlined that the whole of society as well as international partners have shown great solidarity and partnership.

The Prime Minister also greeted and thanked Montenegrin soldiers, police officers and members of medical teams in peace-keeping missions.

“They are celebrating Independence Day by promoting peace and democracy, by making contribution to global peace and stability,” he said.

Wishing them a happy Independence Day, PM Lukšić invited the Montenegrin citizens to be more determined in their efforts to change themselves and society in order to achieve universal values and offered them a helping hand.

“Challenges of modern society and Montenegro’s interests are above any political party, above daily politics. Let’s unite in addressing these challenges together, make our lives better, create new opportunities. There is no social justice without economic development and encouragement of investment and entrepreneurship. It is time to step forward. To step into the future,” PM Lukšić concluded.