Deputy Prime Minister Marković meets with EU's Dirk Lange and Clive Rumbold

Podgorica, Montenegro (8 March 2016) -- Deputy Prime Minister Duško Marković met earlier today with Dirk Lange, Head of the Unit for Montenegro within the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Enlargement, and Clive Rumbold, Deputy Head of Western Balkans Division at European External Action Service. The two officials were interested in the results achieved in the field of rule of law on the eve of the session of the Justice, Freedom and Security Subcommittee, and in current political situation in Montenegro.

Mr Lange expressed satisfaction with the results achieved in fulfiling obligations from the chapter 23 and 24, noting that much has been done in terms of legislation and training programmes for law enforcement institutions. He also reiterated the need to balance results in fulfilling Montenegro’s integration requirements.

DPM Marković emphasised that the Government is greatly interested and committed to reaching an agreement with the opposition on creating conditions for free and fair elections.

"A political agreement would be a stabilising factor for Montenegro, and not only in an election year. This is actually our long-term objective that contributes to the understanding and consensus on key issues for the future of Montenegro, and therefore I expect an agreement between the government and opposition to be reached," stressed the Deputy Prime Minister.

Mitja Drobnič, Head of the EU Delegation in Podgorica, also attended the talks.