DPM Lukšić and Interior Minister Konjević held briefing for diplomatic corps representatives

Podgorica, Montenegro (25 October 2015) -- Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Igor Lukšić and Interior Minister Raško Konjević held earlier today a briefing for representatives of the diplomatic corps regarding the current situation in relation to the last night's protests in Podgorica.

The meeting pointed out that Montenegro once again demonstrated a strong commitment to preserving democratic order through professional and responsible conduct in a situation threatening to destabilise the state and its institutions.

Deputy Prime Minister Lukšić reiterated the importance of maintaining peace and stability, and responsible behaviour of all stakeholders, underlining it is necessary to take the political dialogue back into the institutions. He added that the government called for the organisers of the protests to accept dialogue, adding that following the last night's incidents and attempts of forced entry into the Parliament building, it is not possible to talk about the protest as a peaceful gathering of citizens. He expressed regret over the incident which had occurred and said that the competent authorities would undertake actions in order to preserve and strengthen the rule of law.

DPM Lukšić reiterated that Montenegro has made steady progress towards European and Euro-Atlantic accession, stressing that the failed attempts of destabilisation certainly cannot obstruct the country’s aspirations.

Interior Minister Konjević noted that the Montenegrin police acted in accordance with the law in order to preserve public peace and order, highlighting there had been active coordination between the government and parliament, as well as the communication with the organisers of the protests when it comes to their demands for entering the Parliament building. He informed representatives of the diplomatic corps about the course of the events, stating that the police in any way did not react until having been brutally attacked by the protesters, which was the reason for the intervention and breaking up of the protests. Since the last night’s protests turned violent, the police were obliged to react and ensure stability, and public peace and order. He also pointed out that the state authorities will, pursuant to the law, examine each case of possible exceeding of police powers.

The meeting pointed out it is necessary to resolve all the issues through political dialogue within the institutions, adding that the attempts of violently overthrowing the constitutional order and seizing the power does not contribute to the further development of the Montenegrin society based on principles of democracy and political pluralism.