Press release: Djukanovic meets Polt

Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic met with US Ambassador to Serbia and Montenegro Michael Polt in Podgorica today, as part of Mr Polts official visit to Montenegro.

In discussion, reference was made to bilateral relations and cooperation, current political and economic situation in Montenegro and the course of preparations for the public referendum on Montenegros state status.

It was recognized that there was a high level of understanding in the sphere of bilateral relations, as well as mutual readiness to promote such relations, above all, in the domain of economic cooperation. In this regard, having visited the Municipality and the Port of Bar, Ambassador Polt estimated that the Port had considerable capacities, but in order to utilize them more effectively it was necessary, above all, to improve transport infrastructure. Having agreed with those assessments, the Prime Minister stressed that the Government plans had recognized the importance of the Port and its linkage with infrastructure for overall development of Montenegro and noted that American partners were welcome to participate in those projects.

The Prime Minister thanked the USA for the support and assistance for the overall social and economic development and reforms in Montenegro provided over a long period of years, with particular emphasis to the latest donation for the strengthening of capacities of the Ambulance Service in emergency situations.

At Mr Polts request, the Prime Minister presented his views and positions regarding the preparation for the referendum on the final resolution of Montenegros state status. He said that the Government and other state institutions were fully committed to the process conducted with the participation of Mr Lajcak, emphasizing the readiness to implement all recommendations from the Venice Commission, i.e. hold the referendum in accordance with the highest and strictest European standards and contemporary practices. The Prime Minister also made reference to the activities in the post-referendum process concerning relations with the Republic of Serbia, as well as European and Euro-Atlantic integration of Montenegro.

Ambassador Polt stressed that the USA attached considerable importance to the preparations for the referendum process in Montenegro and was interested in its complete success, which would enable Montenegro to realize its interests in the community of European states and nations in the best possible way. The USA does not support any option, a priori, but is concerned for the whole process to be carried out in a fair and democratic procedure, in order for its outcome to be universally accepted and, as such, a basis for a safe future of Montenegro and a contribution to regional stability.

It was estimated that the terms of the referendum had to be properly defined with respect to the interested parties, or otherwise its outcome would be determined in advance.
Both officials expressed readiness to continue their communication in the next period.