US Ambassador Uyehara: Montenegro achieves progress in rule of law

Podgorica, Montenegro (8 March 2016) – Earlier today, Deputy Prime Minister Duško Marković hosted US Ambassador to Montenegro Margaret Ann Uyehara. At the initiative of the US Embassy, a workshop on presentation of past experiences of the Police Authority representatives’ study visits to the United States in 2014 and 2015, which have significantly contributed to the introduction of new methods and techniques in  performing police duties, was also held. The workshop highlighted the importance of reforming and restructuring the police, and increasing their efficency in line with modern standards. Furthermore, the knowledge and skills acquired during a study visit to the Milwaukee Police Department have been used in the project titled "Introducing patrols in Montenegro," aimed at strengthening cooperation between police and citizens in preventing crimes.

In his opening speech, DPM Marković thanked the United States for the continued support pledged to Montenegro, describing it as extremely important for the achievement of the country’s foreign policy objectives.

He also referred to the agreement signed with the US Government in 2011, and emphasised the significance of political will, financial and expert assistance provided to the Government of Montenegro and its security structures. In that context, the Deputy Prime Minister welcomed the contribution of the Office of the International Criminal Investigation and Training Assistance Programme (ICITAP) in strengthening the institutional capacity of the police. When tackling challenges, such as organised crime and corruption, it is important to continue cooperation with the US partner agencies, in order to provide expert and technical assistance to Montenegrin law enforcement agencies, he concluded.

US Ambassador Uyehara welcomed the strategic direction of Montenegro’s development and congratulated DPM Marković on the results achieved, namely NATO invitation and the track record in the accession negotiations with the EU. She thanked the Government of Montenegro and the Police Authority on professional cooperation, stressing that the focus of the US administration in the previous period was placed on the rule of law and further development of institutions enforcing laws, particularly those combating crime. By the same token, the Ambassador voiced the US Government’s willingness to contribute to further reform processes in Montenegro, not only from a political standpoint, but also in terms of transfering knowledge and experience, as well as providing expert assistance in the area of capacity building in the judiciary.

The meeting was also attended by the Chief of the Police Authority, as well representatives of the ICITAP’s Office and the Office of the Resident Legal Advisor.