PM Marković: In Kosovo, I worked on creating environment for ratification of border agreement, Montenegro shows it is not selfish and rigid

Podgorica, Montenegro (16 February 2018) -- Prime Minister of Montenegro Duško Marković said that he has worked in Kosovo in recent days on issues that led to today's joint statement by President of Montenegro and Kosovo, Filip Vujanović and Hashim Thaci, which opens up space in Kosovo for the ratification of the State Border Agreement between Montenegro and the Republic of Kosovo.

“My visit to Kosovo was aimed at reaching this moment, which will probably or should enable ratification in the Parliament of Kosovo and its implementation in the next stage. I want to tell you that in the last couple of days, in the spirit of what is our common interest and interest of the European Commission and the European Union, we had intensive talks with Kosovo’s officials. We pointed out the necessity to show responsibility and understanding when it comes to this crucial issue. During the dialogue, Montenegro voiced willingness to help Kosovo’s authorities to establish an appropriate political environment in order to ratify the border agreement. Such an approach does not mean that we are moving backwards, but that we are moving forward. Montenegro has ratified the agreement, it remains in force. We are showing our willingness to Kosovo’s authorities that we will be working together under the agreement and in line with geographical and economic reasons, and will take into consideration the requests or objections by both sides on the ground,” Prime Minister Marković said at the Special Session of the Government.

Prime Minister Marković added that by doing this, Montenegro shows its responsibility and capability to resolve issues and not to initiate them and keep them at the table, noting that he believes that Montenegro confirms what it has been doing so far, that it is consistent in respecting the principles cherished by the EU and the European Commission.

“In the Balkans, we need to establish dialogue, in the Balkans we need understanding, we need to look ahead and not to look back. My yesterday’s talks in Pristina were of that content. And today’s joint statement by presidents Vujanović and Tachi testifies to our joint commitment and I believe that we will have one outstanding issue less in the region that Montenegro is resolving in a high-quality manner through understanding its neighbours and pledging its full support, without acting in a selfish and rigid fashion,” Prime Minister Marković highlighted.

PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICE OF THE GOVERNMENT OF MONTENEGRO