Clear intention of continuing the pro-active policy of improving status and protecting the rights of minority people in Montenegro and the Republic of Croatia

The third session of the Intergovernmental Mixed Committee for the Implementation of the Agreement between Montenegro and the Republic of Croatia on the Protection of the Rights of the Montenegrin Minority in the Republic of Croatia and the Croatian Minority in Montenegro was held in Podgorica, in Vila Gorica.

The session was opened by Mr. Valon Dasharami, co-chairing of the Montenegrin side of the IMC and Mr. Zvonko Milas, co-chairing of the Croatian side of the MMO, who both  expressed their satisfaction with the continuation of cooperation on improving the inter-ethnic relations between the two states. Co-chairmen said in their statements that the issue of improving the position of minority people and other minority national communities is highly positioned in agenda of both countries, as it is confirmed by the signing of the Agreement signed by Montenegro and the Republic of Croatia on the Protection of Montenegrin Minority Rights in the Republic of Croatia and the Croatian Minority in Montenegro , by the representatives of the Government of Montenegro and the Government of the Republic of Croatia on January 14, 2009, in Zagreb.

At the third session of the Intergovernmental Joint Committee representatives of both countries discussed about important topics of mutual interest. Representatives of both countries have shown a clear commitment to giving full support to respect for the national and cultural identity of minority people.

As well, a clear intention  was stated to continue the pro-active policy of improving status and protecting the rights of minority people. During the session significant topics in the field of culture, education and information were discussed and agreement was made to step up efforts for taking more effective measures to improve the quality of life of members of the Croatian national minority in Montenegro and the Montenegrin national minority in the Republic of Croatia and to preserve all forms of their identity.

Praising the previous successful co-operation and good communication, representatives of both delegations agreed to strengthen cooperation in these areas of interest in the forthcoming period.

Such an event is an obvious indicator of the commitment of the states of Montenegro and Croatia to send a clear message about the importance of the existence and nurturing of diversity, respecting the national and cultural identity , as well as different religious beliefs, traditions, customs and other specialties of minority people and other minority national communities as wealth the of modern civil society.

Ministry for Human and Minority Rights