DPM Marković, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Hoyt Brian Yee: Montenegro's membership will strenghten the Alliance

Podgorica, Montenegro (3 September 2016) -- Montenegro's integration into NATO has been the most important step since the restoration of independence, and it is in mutual interest, because it strengthens the Alliance and its power to protect ithe member states, said US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Hoyt Brian Yee at a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro Duško Marković.

He commended the many positive reforms Montenegro has pursued on its road to Euro-Atlantic accession, adding that it should continue to further strengthen the rule of law. Both sides agreed that only law enforcement authorities, by respecting the principles of transparency and competition, can provide the basis for attracting foreign investment and thereby strengthen the economy and its competitiveness.

DPM Marković said that law enforcement authorities are providing results in combating corruption and organised crime, stressing that they act professionally and independently, hopeful that the balance of result will be even stronger and higher in the future.

The US official commended the Government and DPM Marković for supporting the Special State Prosecutor's Office and the creation of legislative and institutional environment that enabled them running smoothly.

Both sides agreed that it is very important that the forthcoming parliamentary elections are held in a fair and democratic manner. DPM Marković pointed out that conditions are created for their smooth maintenance, emphasising that various controls through the work of the Government of electoral trust did not identify misuse of state funds that could jeopardize legitimacy of the elections.

It was jointly concluded that democracy need to be strengthened, as only a strong state can resist all pressures and impacts, and build and strengthen democratic capacities on its own.