Montenegro and OSCE to continue cooperation in the rule of law

Podgorica, Montenegro (24 February 2015) -- Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) will continue providing strong support to Montenegro’s efforts towards strengthening the rule of law, as a basic prerequisite of the integration process, Director of the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre Adam Kobjeracki noted at today’s meeting with Montenegro’s Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Duško Marković.

Ambassador Kobjeracki stressed that, regardless of the current situation in Ukraine and involvement of the international community in the crisis, the OSCE will carry on supporting the region, especially now when Serbia holds presidency of the organisation. In that context, the OSCE high representative informed DPM Marković about the organisation's plans related to further boosting regional cooperation in the Western Balkan in all areas of common interest.

DPM Marković pointed out that Montenegro and the OSCE have established intense and successful cooperation, and he thanked Ambassador Kobjeracki for the OSCE Office in Montenegro targeted assistance, which corresponded to the country's needs and the progress it has made. He in particular referred to the activities that had marked this cooperation, such as joint work on drafting and implementing the Law on Legal Aid, Criminal Procedure Code, Code of Civil Procedure, introduction of bailiffs in the Montenegrin legal system, etc.

Both sides emphasised the importance of an OSCE’s current project aiming to develop communication capacities in the rule of law field, in order to enhance transparency of these institutions, strengthen public understanding of the work they perform and boost media reporting standards in this area.