DPM Marković meets with newly appointed German Ambassador to Montenegro Hans Ginter Matern

Podgorica, Montenegro (25 October 2016) -- Deputy Prime Minister Duško Marković met with newly appointed German Ambassador to Montenegro Hans Ginter Matern and thanked the Government and people of Germany for their partnership and cooperation in achieving NATO and EU integration objectives, the key foreign policy priorities of Montenegro.

Ambassador Matern expressed his satisfaction over his diplomatic engagement in Montenegro, noting that the two countries have established strong bilateral relations. He stated that the German Government approved the Draft Law on Ratification of the Protocol on the Accession of Montenegro to NATO and that the ratification in the German parliament is expected to be completed the end of this year.

DPM Marković said that the strengthening of the rule of law is not only the task in the field of integration, but it is a requirement that ensures stability, respect for human rights and freedoms, as well as a prerequisite for economic development and a better life for the citizens of Montenegro.

He emphasised that the regular parliamentary elections in Montenegro were free and democratic with record high turnout, which clearly demonstrates the trust of citizens in the electoral process. This is confirmed by the positive assessments of the observation missions of OSCE/ODHIR and the European Commission, said Marković.

German Ambassador said that any objections to the election procedures should be treated with transparency and in due time by the State Election Commission, Special Public Prosecutor's Office and Anti-Corruption Agency.

Regarding the attempted terrorist attack that was planned in Montenegro, DPM Marković said that in this case the state showed its power and ability to preserve stability and security of citizens. The investigation of the competent institutions, that intensively cooperate in shedding light on this case with the state bodies of Serbia, will lead to an indictment and efficient criminal justice epilogue before the Montenegrin judicial authorities, said Deputy Prime Minister Marković.