Press release: Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic meets Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly President René van der Linden

Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic met today in Podgorica with the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly President René van der Linden, who is making an official visit to Montenegro. Mr. van der Linden congratulated Montenegro on the restoration of its statehood, achieved through a democratic process, in line with the highest international standards, and communicated the Council of Europes readiness and hope to continue constructive cooperation with Montenegro in the future.

Thanking Mr. van der Linden for his congratulations and for the Council of Europes professional assistance during the referendum process, the Prime Minister said Montenegro was keen to play a constructive part in the operation of the Council of Europes bodies, in order to secure quick accession to that important regional organization. It was agreed that former activities of the Council of Europe had provided a strong impetus to the development of Montenegros social life in general and considerable progress was recognized in bringing domestic legislation in conformity with European standards in state administration, local governance, judiciary, internal affairs, education system, etc.

The Prime Minister emphasized the Governments firm commitment to reforms, aimed at meeting the requirements for progress towards European and transatlantic integration, and further on to the European Union and NATO, as Montenegros foreign policy priorities. He acquainted Mr. van der Linden with the Plan of Priority Activities for the Functioning of the State in the Post-Referendum Period, intended for maintaining the normal course of everyday life in the Republic.

Mr. van der Linden said that the previous period had seen considerable progress in socio-economic developments in the Republic and stressed the readiness of the Council of Europe to provide all the assistance necessary to meet the responsibilities arising out of relevant documents adopted by the organization. This would, in turn, help accelerate Montenegros progress towards European standards and the Stabilization and Association Process with the European Union.

During the talks, particular reference was made to regional cooperation and further development of regional stability. Mr. van der Linden announced special initiatives in the sphere of economy and key development issues and the Prime Minister gave assurances of Montenegros readiness to give its full support in that regard.

The meeting was attended by Head of the Secretariat of the CoE Parliamentary Assemblys Monitoring Committee Caroline Ravaud, Head of the CoE Office in Podgorica Vladimir Ristovski and Prime Ministers advisors Milan Rocen and Milomir Mihaljevic.