Ivanović opened the Seminar on the OSCE Code of Conduct on Political-Military Aspects of Security

Defence Policy Director General, Mr. Ivica Ivanovic spoke yesterday at the opening of the international seminar on the  OSCE Code of Conduct on Political-Military Aspects of Security, held from 15-18. May in Budva and organized by the  Ministry of Defence of Montenegro and the OSCE. The opening ceremony was attended by the Head of the OSCE  Mission to Montenegro, H.E. Maryse Daviet, representative of Chairperson of the OSCE Forum for Security Cooperation,  as well as senior representatives of the Committee for Defense and Security of the Parliament of Montenegro, Ministry of  Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Interior.

Director General Ivanovic pointed out in his speech that the strengthening of cooperation with international organizations  is one of the most important foreign policy priorities of our country, and that, in that regard, Ministry of Defence actively  participates in regional and international organizations and initiatives. He particularly emphasized successful cooperation  that the Ministry had with the OSCE in reform of security sector and implementation of projects of national importance. In that light, he stressed Montenegro's commitment to the implementation of the Code and all of its provisions which define  the security interstate relations, democratic control of the armed forces, adherence to international humanitarian law and  compliance with fundamental human rights and freedoms.

Ivanovic has emphasized the importance of cooperation with the OSCE in the field of human rights, highlighting the  relevance of the Security Council Resolution 1325 on "Women, Peace and Security" implementation, in order to  strengthen gender perspective.

The seminar aims to initiate exchange of experience, best practices and challenges in the implementation of the Code, as  well as to promote it in the countries of South Eastern Europe, with a particular focus on democratic control and  parliamentary oversight of the security sector, adherence to international humanitarian law and fundamental human rights  and freedoms of employees in security sector.

Besides senior officials from relevant ministries, national Parliament and Armed Forces of Montenegro, the seminar will  be attended by representatives of the security sector of other countries, national parliaments, as well as representatives  from the academic community and civil society, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and the OSCE Office for Democratic  Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).