Press release: Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic meets newly appointed Head of OSCE Mission in Serbia and Montenegro Hans Ola Urstad

Today, in Podgorica, Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic met with newly appointed Head of the OSCE Mission in the State Union Hans Ola Urstad, who is making an official visit to Montenegro.

The Prime Minister expressed his satisfaction that such a good connoisseur of local affairs had been appointed Head of the OSCE Mission to Serbia and Montenegro and informed His Excellency of the political and economic developments in the Republic. In that context, he stressed that the Governments priorities for the next period included further strengthening of political and macroeconomic stability, higher economic development and extension of European and Euro-Atlantic integration, aimed at signing the Stabilization and Association Agreement with the European Union.

Prime Minister Djukanovic acquainted Mr Urstad with the course of preparations for the referendum process on Montenegros state status, in the light of the talks interested parties were having with the participation of Ambassador Lajcak. In that respect, he emphasized that the Government and other state institution made every effort to reach acceptable solutions, which would ensure a fair and democratic referendum process, in accordance with all the Venice Commissions recommendations and unconditional compliance with international standards and the strictest practices applicable in Europe. In addition to the European Union, Montenegros relevant state institutions expect the OSCE and the Council of Europe to be their partners in the preparation and implementation of the referendum vote, planned for the end of April this year. The Prime Minister also stressed that, once the state status was rounded off, Montenegro wished to preserve excellent relations with the Republic of Serbia, to the benefit of citizens of both countries.

Ambassador Urstad thanked the Prime Minister for the in-depth information and emphasized that the OSCE would pay full attention to the considerations presented and make its full contribution to the referendum process, in order for it to be carried out in the best possible way. This is meant to ensure a fair result, which would be of historical importance for Montenegro and a contribution to stability of the wider region.

In discussion, satisfaction was expressed at the level of relations and cooperation between the OSCE Mission and the Montenegrin Government and relevant state authorities, which had resulted in the adoption of contemporary legislation in various areas of socio-economic life of the Republic. The Prime Minister, in particular, noted the role the Office in Podgorica had in reform and transition processes, recognizing its activities as a contribution to the overall stability of the region and its integration into European and Euro-Atlantic structures.

Both parties expect continued strengthening of cooperation in the future. In this regard, the Prime Minister expressed his assurance that Mr Urstad could rely on support from the Government and other state institutions in the performance of his duties.

The meeting was attended by Ambassador Paraschiva Badescu, Head of the OSCE Office in Podgorica.