DPM Marković: Montenegro and Italy cherish good cooperation in judiciary, internal affairs

Rome, Italy (16 October 2014) -- Close bilateral relations between Montenegro and Italy are based not only on their geographic position and historical ties, but also on the common values cherished by both countries, Italian Minister of the Interior Angelino Alfano stressed yesterday at the meeting with Montenegro's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice Duško Marković.

Interior Minister Alfano underlined that Italy is willing to support Montenegro in its activities within the European and Euro-Atlantic agenda. He noted that these two processes require time and professional staff, particularly referring to the rule of law and fight against organised crime, terrorism and corruption.

As a proof of the Italian support to the integration process of Montenegro and the entire region, Minister Alfano mentioned very significant regional project within the IPA 2013 in the field of internal affairs, which will commence by the end of 2014. The central office for coordination of this project will be based in Podgorica and the Forum of ministers of justice and internal affairs of the Western Balkans will be held in Belgrade within the Italian presidency over the EU’s Council, he added.

Italian Ministry of Justice provides full support to the Montenegrin Justice Ministry  in terms of creating the legislative framework necessary for strengthening efficiency and responsibility of the judiciary, and drafting the norms of criminal law in order to introduce new mechanism for combating organised crime and corruption more efficiently, DPM Marković pointed out after the meeting with his Italian counterpart Andrea Orlando in Rome.

He informed Minister Orlando about the current activities which are being implemented according to the Action plans for the Chapters 23 and 24, referring particularly to the reform of the judiciary system and fight against all types of crime. He also thanked Minister Orlando for the support of Italian experts in terms of creating the legislative framework in this area and commended the success of both countries’ institutions in charged of the law enforcement.