Press release: Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic meets European Parliament Delegation for South Eastern Europe

Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic met with the European Parliament Delegation for South Eastern Europe, headed by the delegations leader Doris Pack, in Podgorica today.

At the meeting, reference was made to cooperation between Montenegros institutions and the European Parliament, political and economic situation in Montenegro, relations in the State Union and regional developments.

Having acquainted his interlocutors with the current situation in the Republic, the Prime Minister emphasized the governments strong commitment to further reforms, aimed at meeting the necessary requirements for European and transatlantic integration, which, he said, was Montenegros national priority. In that context, the speeding up of negotiations on stabilization and association with the European Union and membership in NATOs Partnership for Peace Program have been recognized as immediate goals.

The Prime Minister also informed the European Parliaments delegation of the issues concerning the State Union and the proposal to restructure the current relations into an alliance of independent and internationally recognized states. He expressed confidence that European institutions would support the talks, as a way of reaching an acceptable solution.

The leader of the European Parliaments delegation expressed complete understanding for the views and positions presented, emphasizing that there were opportunities for significant strengthening of cooperation between Montenegros institutions and bodies of the European Parliament. Referring to the resolution of the statehood status, she voiced the opinion that independence would not slow down the implementation of European plans, since the so-called twin-track approach had been adopted and defined, with which the Prime Minister agreed. The delegations leader also said that a decision on the statehood status should be made by the citizens, adding that their democratic will had to be respected.

The Prime Minister also provided explanations in response to the questions posed by some delegation members.