Press release: Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic talked to OSCE Serbia and Montenegro Mission Chief Mauricio Massari

Montenegrin Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic and the OSCE Serbia and Montenegro Mission Chief Ambassador Mauricio Massari met today in Podgorica. Mr. Massaris visit represents part of the regular communication between the OSCE on the one hand and the Government and competent authorities of Montenegro on the other, being aimed at implementing the OSCEs current activities in the Republic and considering new forms of cooperation.

The two officials discussed the issues concerning the current situation in Montenegro, reform processes and latest developments in the State Union.

The Prime Minister commended the OSCEs readiness to support institutional strengthening and the fulfillment of the responsibilities arising from Montenegros membership in that organization. It is of critical importance for Montenegro to have its institutions prepared for European and Euro-Atlantic integration.

It was mutually agreed that the cooperation of the Montenegrin Government and competent authorities with the OSCE bodies was being successfully effected through Belgrade and Podgorica offices, expressing hope that its development would continue. The OSCEs further support to the security sector, judiciary and media as well as the opening of new fields of cooperation was once again recognized to be of mutual interest.

Mr. Massari and Prime Minister Djukanovic agreed that the recent developments on the Montenegrin political scene indicating that the opposition might return to the Parliament were encouraging. That would be a valuable contribution to the strengthening of democratic processes and observance of the election results.

The meeting was attended by Ambassador Rudolf Bogner, Head of the OECE Podgorica Office.