Minister of Foreign Affairs Darmanović participates in session of Committee of Ministers of Council of Europe

Nicosia, Cyprus (19 May 2017) -- Minister of Foreign Affairs Srđan Darmanović participated today at the 127th session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, held in Nicosia.

As Minister Darmanović said, ten years of Montenegro's membership in the Council of Europe (CoE) will be celebrated this year. He also noted that our country, as a responsible and constructive member, will endeavor to contribute to further promotion of the CoE.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro said that regional stability of the Western Balkans largely depends on the national commitment to further development and continuation of the process of EU enlargement. “Montenegro has significantly advanced in the negotiation process with the EU and the accession to NATO will contribute to the national and regional security framework. The commitment to the EU accession process of the Western Balkans will maintain the stability in the region, taking into account common regional consensus on this issue,” he assessed.

Minister Darmanović expressed support for the efforts of the CoE Secretary-General Thorbjørn Jagland aimed at finding and protecting rights of children of migrants in Europe in order to ensure them peaceful and prosperous future.

Speaking on the subject of the fight against terrorism, Minister Darmanović stressed that Montenegro will continue to support every effort aimed at protection and prevention of terrorism in all its forms in Europe and globally, respecting human rights and the rule of law. “We must fight to cut down the sources of terrorism to the roots, through stopping radicalisation that leads to terrorism, through the fight against violent extremism, and through prevention activities towards foreign terrorist fighters,” Minister Darmanović concluded.

Foreign Ministers adopted new guidelines to improve support and compensation for victims of terrorist attacks in all 47 member-states, which are reflected in taking appropriate measures, including free emergency, medical, psychological and social assistance, as well as providing information desks for the victims, access to justice and timely compensation.

On the sidelines of the meeting of the Committee of Ministers, Minister Darmanović had a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary Péter Szijjártó.

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS