Montenegro set to combat corruption, requires all stakeholders' involvement

Podgorica, Montenegro (10 July 2012) -- Corruption is one of most significant and most challenging priorities in Montenegro’s efforts to build a healty society based on European standards and achieve its key foreign policy goals – EU and NATO membership, Deputy Prime Minister and Justice and Human Rights Minister Duško Marković emphasised at the opening of the round table on anti-corruption policies in Montenegro earlier today.

When it comes to the prevention of corruption, DPM Marković noted, Montenegro has to continue its efforts related to the implementation of newly adopted anti-corruption legislation, campaigns to raise awareness as regards the danger of corruption, and the strengthening of civil servants' integrity and respect for code of ethics for judges and prosecutors. It will also have to strenghten the bodies responsible for overseeing the implementation of anti corruption measures, and encourage citizens and employees to report corruption to relevant authorities.

In DPM Markovič’s words, The Government will also carry on the implementation of the Open Government Partnership’s (OGP) Action Plan. He pointed out that the OGP ranked the Montenegrin Government among the world's top 10 governments with regard to its envisaged anti-corruption measures such as the citizens’ e-petitions and the protection of whistleblowers.

With the view of suppressing corruption, the Government is set to continue the implementation of the Code on Criminal Procedure, further enhance prosecutorial investigation and empower the Special Investigative Team's capacities. Increasing judiciary efficiency, continuation of regional and international cooperation, and strengthening the Government’s capability to detect, prosecute and punish corruption at all levels in health, education, police, judiciary and politics, are also the necessary measure in achieving adequate results in combating this challenge, DPM Marković said. 

DPM Marković invites on this ocasion the continued partnership between the Government, civil society and media in tackling the issue of corruption in the process of Montenegro's EU integration.