DPM Marković, US Assistant Secretary of State Nuland: Rule of law key to overall progress of Montenegrin society

Podgorica, Montenegro (12 July) -- Deputy Prime Minister Duško Marković hosted earlier today US Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland, who is paying an official visit to Montenegro.

The USA is aware of the activities and results the Government of Montenegro has undertaken and achieved in recent months towards fulfilling requirements from its Euro-Atlantic agenda, the US Assistant Secretary of State pointed out.

She further stated that the US government strongly supports the legislative and institutional reforms in the judiciary and rule of law in terms of combating organised crime and corruption. Reliability of the judiciary is essential to confirm the efforts being invested in the reform process and expectations of the citizens.

In Mr Nuland’s words, it is time to consolidate the rule of law and change public perception of the effectiveness in fighting organised crime and corruption. At the same time, it is also a prerequisite for becoming a full-fledged member of the family of democratic countries, where the rule of law and respect for human rights are basic principles of public administration, US Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland concluded.

Deputy Prime Minister Marković thanked the United States, US Embassy and Ms Nuland for providing continuous and efficient support to Montenegro in achieving its key national and state priority - full-fledged membership in NATO. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, intensified and well designed campaign of the Montenegrin government has resulted in a significant increase in public support for joining NATO, with a tendency of further growth, which is one more reason to expect the membership invitation to be sent by the end of the year.

Mr Marković also informed the US Assistant Secretary of State about actual legislative and institutional reforms in Montenegro, focusing on judicial reform and the establishment of the Special Public Prosecutor's Office.

"Special Public Prosecutor's Office is a new energy and secure support in the process of establishing the rule of law," - said Deputy Prime Minister Markovic, noting that the rule of law is a key to achieving progress, development and stability of the society, and that is why this issue has been paid the greatest attention.

He also underlined effective and fruitful cooperation between Montenegro and the US institutions in the fight against organised crime, which resulted in arresting criminal groups charged with weapons smuggling.

The two officials agreed on the continuation of expert cooperation between the two countries in issues of mutual interest, as dealing with contemporary security challenges is of great importance for both the region and global security.