DPM Pažin hosts David Martin of European Parliament

Podgorica, Montenegro (28 September 2017) – Deputy Prime Minister Zoran Pažin hosted earlier today David Martin, MEP and Head of the Delegation to the EU-Montenegro Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee (POSP).

DPM Pažin spoke about efforts of the Government of Montenegro to meet all the necessary conditions for maintaining an adequate level of dynamics in the negotiation process on Montenegro's membership in the European Union. He commended the new energy and the Union's strengthened interest in the enlargement policy and retained the view that accession to the Union would be based on individual merits of each country. The Deputy Prime Minister said that the current political situation in Montenegro requires the appropriate level of awareness of the opposition parties about the need to participate in the political life of their State. He emphasised that the Prime Minister repeatedly called on the opposition parties to find a common solution for further action of the opposition within the Parliament of Montenegro.

Mr Martin said that it is clear that Montenegro has progressed towards the European Union. Highlighting the importance of sustainable progress in the negotiation process, he noted that his efforts would be directed towards full support for further integration of Montenegro into the EU. He is hopeful that the opposition will recognise the importance of its participation in the work of the Parliament of Montenegro, as well as in establishing dialogue with representatives of the authorities.

Two officials also discussed the challenges Montenegro faces in terms of Russia's interference in the electoral process and public life in Montenegro. They agreed that each state should be enabled to lead its interior and foreign policy independently and without the influence of third parties, and to provide all the necessary conditions for the preservation of national security and protection of the Montenegrin citizens.

OFFICE OF THE DEPUY PRIME MINISTER