OSCE Representative Dunja Mijatović: Montenegro and OSCE to strengthen cooperation in raising professional media standards

Podgorica, Montenegro (2 July 2014) – Prime Minister Milo Đukanović hosted the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović for talks on the state of media freedom n Montenegro and mechanisms of cooperation in this area.

PM Đukanović highlighted the long lasting fruitful cooperation between Montenegro and the OSCE, based on partnership relations, will be continued in the coming period. Montenegro acknowledges the OSCE role in meeting standards related to the rule of law and electoral legislation, particularly having in mind the governments’ efforts aimed at improving the legal framework and media pluralism as preconditions for freedom of the media, PM Đukanović emphasised. In that regard, he commended the OSCE activities towards providing support to Montenegro in fostering and promoting media freedom, as a crucial component of democratic development of the country.

Ms Mijatović commended the Government of Montenegro and its institutions for being open for discussion and cooperation, adding that additional efforts should be made in terms of strengthening and respecting professional standards as important values for independence of journalism. She also praised the legal solutions in the field of media regulation and the establishment of the commission for investigating attacks on journalists and offered her experience in raising media standards and media freedom in Montenegro.