Deputy Prime Minister Jasavić hosts US Ambassador to Montenegro Margaret Ann Uyehara

Podgorica, Montenegro (16 July 2016) -- Deputy Prime Minister Azra Jasavić met with US Ambassador to Montenegro Margaret Ann Uyehara.

On that occasion, DPM Jasavić reiterated that "Positive Montenegro has supported the Government with very clear conditions that are also the Positive Montenegro's goals, namely strengthening Euro-Atlantic integration, preserving peace and stability, and creating conditions for fair and free elections. Therefore, on the basis of the Plan for overcoming the political crisis the Positive Montenegro, as a responsible and mature political entity, had submitted to all political parties, the Government of Electoral Trust was established. We are pleased that this plan has been recognised by the United States as something that shows democratic maturity."

DPM Jasavić pointed out that, due to the thoughtful policy pursued by the Positive Montenegro, peace and stability in the country have been preserved, the Protocol on Montenegro's Accession to NATO has been signed and the process of ratification is underway.

"We have stabilised Montenegro on its European path and stopped aspirations of other centres of power and influence," she added. ''Now, we have the Government that functions. The goals of Positive Montenegro were accomplished in the first phase, but this is only the beginning. One of the conditions set out in the Positive Montenegro's political plan was the appointment of the head of the police team for combating organised crime and corruption, and that condition has already been fulfiled. We have assumed the responsibility for further continuation of social reforms that will lead to the strengthening of the rule of law, as the most important prerequisite for further economic development. Without legal equality in Montenegro, there will be no long-term stability, as well as the sense of security of foreign and domestic investors," the Deputy Prime Minister explained.

She also expressed satisfaction that there is the US Chamber of Commerce operating in Montenegro, but also disappointment that there is no "green field" investment from the United States.

“I expect that after full ratification of the Protocol on the Accession, the US administration will invite investors to invest in Montenegro,“ said DPM Jasavić.

US Ambassador Margaret Ann Uyehara noted that Montenegro has achieved significant progress in all fields, but that there is still work to be done. The US Embassy will continue to support the processes of strengthening the rule of law, she underlined.

Deputy Prime Minister Jasavić stated that she is committed to being the backbone for foreign investors through combating high-level corruption and supporting the reform processes backed up by the US Embassy.