Minister of Defence Milica Pejanović Đurišić takes part in OSCE Forum for Security Cooperation in Vienna

Vienna, Austria (20 April 2016) -- Minister of Defence Milica Pejanović Đurišić participated earlier today in OSCE Forum for Security Cooperation, which took place in Vienna, under the Polish Presidency. On this occasion, Minister Pejanović Đurišić presented the Montenegrin activities in the process of comprehensive democratic reforms, with special attention to the results achieved in the MONDEM programme.

Minister Pejanović –Đurišić pointed to the importance of implementation of the joint Programme for Demilitarisation and Safe Storage of Ammunition - MONDEM, which is being implemented in cooperation with the OSCE and UNDP. She pointed out that the disposal of surplus weapons and ammunition and the construction of modern military depots are high on the list of priorities of the defence sector reform. Referring to the current security challenges, especially when it comes to the phenomenon of terrorist activities, Minister Pejanović – Đurišić emphasised the importance of management and control of widespread quantities of arms and ammunition in order to timely prevent such activities. In that regard, she stressed the importance of the concept of comprehensive, cooperative and multi-sectoral approach to security, promoted by the Organisation for Security Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

"As a long-time reliable and consistent partner of the OSCE, Montenegro recognises that the political and military security is closely related to the respect for the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as economic and environmental issues. Therefore, Montenegro remains committed to further promoting and developing democracy, the rule of law, media freedom and good governance of the state authorities. Continuation of reforms in these areas would reflect on the progress made in Montenegro so far, especially in Euro-Atlantic and EU integration," said Minister Pejanović Đurišić.

The Defence Minister thanked the OSCE member countries, which during the previous period supported the MONDEM programme, stressing that its successful implementation over the past few years has shown that this programme is results-oriented and can be used as an effective mechanism for reinforcing safety and security not only in Montenegro, but also in other countries that faces similar security challenges.

During her visit to the OSCE, Minister Pejanović – Đurišić met with OSCE Secretary-General Lamberto Zannier. Montenegro's Defence Minister expressed satisfaction with the cooperation and open support of the OSCE  for Montenegro on its path of democratic reforms. She introduced him to Montenegrin experiences in the implementation of comprehensive reforms and results achieved within the integration process, expressing belief that all these activities contribute not only to strengthening institutions, the rule of law and sustainable economic development of the Montenegrin society, but also to the strengthening of stability and security of the entire region of the Western Balkans, where the role of the OSCE is crucial.

Secretary-General Zannier welcomed the reforms implemented so far, pointing out the good and continuous cooperation and communication between the OSCE and Montenegro. He stressed that this kind of partnership between the OSCE and its member states can serve as an example to other states, especially when it comes to countries in the region. Mr Zannier said that the traditionally good and friendly relations should be further improved. He announced the readiness of the OSCE to provide assistance in dealing with current challenges, hopeful that new initiatives will be launched in Montenegro in order to strengthen security and cooperation at the level of the entire Western Balkan region.