Press release: President Filip Vujanovic and Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic had talks with European Commission President José Manuel Barroso and EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn

Today in Belgrade, President of the Republic of Montenegro Filip Vujanovic and Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic had talks with President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso and Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn as part of their visit to the Western Balkans.

Discussion focused on the process of negotiations on a Stabilization and Association Agreement with the European Union, current situation in Montenegro and regional developments.

The Montenegrin officials asserted Montenegros full commitment to European and Euro-Atlantic integration and the importance of a successful negotiation process, aimed at concluding a stabilization and association agreement by the end of the year. In the same context, they emphasized that Montenegro had prepared itself for the opening of negotiations its strategy had been defined and the negotiating team and six groups for particular areas of cooperation appointed. The reform process was said to be gathering pace, paving the road to full integration into contemporary international structures, based on the implementation of European standards and efficient internal development strategy.

The President and the Prime Minster stressed that European integration process should not be associated with other topical political issues, such as those regarding the state union relations and regional developments. Referring to the restoration of statehood, they pointed out that the process would be carried out in accordance with international standards, all of the Venice Commissions recommendations and with full consideration for regional stability. In that context, they expressed confidence that referendum terms would ensure equality of opportunity and that the will of a majority, as a basic democratic principle, would be carried out.

European officials said they wished to convey a message from Brussels that the European Union would pursue its declared policy and a stronger involvement in the Western Balkans, identifying successful management of negotiations on the process of stabilization and association with the European Union as a priority task for the next period. However, they said that the key condition for the continuation of the process was full cooperation with the Hague Tribunal, adding that it was something they would insist on.

The European Commissions President and Enlargement Commissioner commended the commitment and professionalism of the Montenegrin Government and other sate authorities with regard to the continuation of the negotiation on a stabilization and association agreement. Referring to the activities aimed at finalizing the state status, they explained that the European Union expected a broad consensus among interested parties in the talks mediated by Ambassador Lajcak, which would make the process legitimate and its result undeniable.

With reference to the difficulties in cooperation with The Hague Tribunal, the Montenegrin officials expressed confidence that the European Union would appreciate Montenegros constructive attitude to that international institution and that it would no longer suffer the consequences of a lack of cooperation on the part of the other member state.

With regard to the settlement of the problem of Kosovo, support was expressed for the efforts by UN Secretary Generals Special Envoy Marti Achtisaari for Belgrade and Pristina, assisted by the international community, to reach an acceptable and long-term solution. The EU officials estimated that Montenegro had a constructive attitude to this important regional problem.

Both sides expressed interest in developing communication and cooperation, with a view to strengthening Montenegro on its road to Europe.