DPM Lukšić takes part in OSCE Ministerial Council session in Belgrade

Belgrade, Serbia (4 December 2015) -- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Igor Lukšić took part in the OSCE Ministerial Council, which was held in Belgrade on 3-4 December.

This year’s meeting concentrated on boosting European security, having in mind the crisis in and around Ukraine, refugee crisis, frozen conflicts and terrorist threats. The Ministerial Council was attended by more than 40 foreign ministers, including US Secretary of State John Kerry, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov and future Chairman of the OSCE, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

In his address at the general debate, Deputy Prime Minister Lukšić pointed out that, facing the environment in which the values we share are neglected, it is necessary to initiate a strategic dialogue in order to consolidate European security. He stressed that these activities require a unified interpretation of the fundamental principles of the Helsinki, Paris Charter and the Charter of the United Nations, and a common understanding of their interconnectedness and interdependence. He said that the current crisis in and around Ukraine confirms the relevance of the concept of the OSCE comprehensive security and demonstrates the importance of the OSCE in providing a single platform for inclusive and constructive dialogue, when it comes to the most important security issues.

DPM Lukšić reiterated that Montenegro fully supports all the efforts towards reaching a solution by peaceful and diplomatic means, including the Trilateral Contact Group and Normandy format, based on Ukraine’s sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.

Minister Lukšić said that the security situation in the region has been further complicated by the spread of transnational phenomena, such as terrorism and violent extremism that leads to terrorism. He added that in recent months we have witnessed several brutal terrorist attacks, which resulted in numerous human casualties, noting they represent direct attacks on fundamental values and principles to which we have committed ourselves 40 years ago.