I am convinced we will get NATO invitation at December ministerial meeting, PM Đukanović notes

Podgorica, Montenegro (18 November 2015) – "Montenegro’s membership in the European Union and NATO are our strategic priorities. They are dependent on each other and firmly connected. Good assessments from the European Commission's Country Report relating to the rule of law and the complete picture will certainly be taken into account when making decisions about extending a NATO invitation," Prime Minister Milo Đukanović emphasised earlier today in his address to the Parliament of Montenegro within the Questions to the Prime Minister institution.

Answering the question by MP of the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) Milutin Simović on whether the European Commission’s Country Report will affect NATO’s decision to send a membership invitation to Montenegro, PM Đukanović added:

“I am convinced that we will get an invitation at NATO ministerial meeting scheduled for 1 December, and on 2 December, we will be ready for the elections. The political will of the DPS is to hold elections in line with the adopted laws. It is in our country’s best interest to get a competent and authoritative government.”

The Prime Minister added that Montenegro has made a number of new achievements, but that it has also defined specific tasks, thus reinforcing the expectation of the concrete results.

He also commented on the opposition political circles and the media who are not satisfied with the fact that Montenegro has a leadership role in the Western Balkans.

"If these things had occupied our attention, in my opinion, we would not have achieved any progress. Part of the opposition was disappointed about the European Commission’s review of the protests...The EU has recognised our county's democratic capacity to resolve all disputes within the system. The lack of support for a boycott of the Parliament was expected. The trap lies precisely in the fact that EU intervention would be equivalent to the application of the balance clause. Part of the parties does not see their responsibility and duty in creating the overall image of Montenegro. Instead of invoking international mediation, it is necessary to see why there is evident political distrust, and discuss it in the Parliament," Prime Minister explained.

The Prime Minister also referred to the electoral legislation and its application.

"There is no new and old legislation, there is only the current one. We are obligated to adhere to the new one. The government has done everything to provide all necessary conditions for its full implementation. We will not be able to find any reason for suspecting the outcome of the democratic will of the Montenegrin citizens," the Prime Minister of Montenegro concluded.