DPM Pažin's response to open letter by 11 NGOs regarding work of Commission on Media

Podgorica, Montenegro (27 December 2017) -- Deputy Prime Minister Zoran Pažin responded earlier today to an open letter by representatives of 11 NGOs regarding the work of the Commission for Monitoring Actions of Competent Authorities in the Investigation of Cases of Threats and Violence against Journalists, Assassinations of Journalists and Attacks on Media Property.

"I would like to emphasise that the Government of Montenegro fully supports the work of the important body. We are willing to observe all the requests and recommendations that fall under our competence and are in line with the applicable regulations. In that regard, I have initiated a meeting with the representatives of the Commission in order to, immediately after the holidays, agree on the optimal mechanisms for their realisation.

The Government has so far got acquainted with the three reports on the work of the Commission, about which the public was informed through the press releases issued following the Government's sessions. Although there is no obligation for the Government to publish the reports submitted to it, I accept the Commission's position that it is important for these reports to be published.

I assure you that the Government deals with the issue of protecting the integrity and safety of journalists in a serious and responsible manner, as evidenced by the numerous information the competent authorities regularly submit to the members of the Commission.

I expect that, in direct communication with the members of the Commission, we will agree on an optimal model of further communication and information exchange, in order to ensure this body makes a greater contribution to the safety of journalists and investigations in cases of threats and attacks on media representatives and property," the Deputy Prime Minister Pazin's letter reads.

OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER