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PM Marković: Non-paper should not be read partiall...
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PM Marković: Non-paper should not be read partially but in its entirety, government is carefully analysing the content
Published on: Nov 20, 2019 • 9:15 PM Author: PR Service
Podgorica, Montenegro (20 November 2019) -- Prime Minister Duško Marković said at the Prime Minister's Question session that the European Commission's non-paper should be read in its entirety, not just what one wants to see, that the Government is carefully and responsibly analysing every segment of activity in which Montenegro has not received a positive assessment and that the non-paper acknowledges Montenegro's efforts and its balance of results.
“Non-paper, that is, an unofficial European Commission's document, like any similar document, can be viewed based on a positive or negative presumption, because it always covers both progress and remaining challenges. It is actually a documented assessment of the situation, which has its dynamics and continuity. That is why it should be read in its entirety, not just what one wants to see, and especially to hear. Because if such a reading were possible, then I would read about results and progress while ignoring the challenges and disadvantages. We in the Government view this non-paper positively and consider that it recognises that clear progress has been made in the area of the rule of law, but in parallel, we are carefully and responsibly analysing every segment in which we did not receive a positive assessment,” said the Prime Minister in response to a question by Ranko. Krivokapić, MP from the Social Democratic Party, on a new the European Union's approach.
The Prime Minister rejected the MP's claim from the question that the document states a substantial setback, saying that it is not mentioned anywhere.
"What this document actually recognises can be illustrated in the shortest possible way through progress appraisals in key areas. Therefore, the assessments from the document are as follows: Montenegro addressed the remaining challenges outlined in the 2019 European Commission Report for Montenegro and the EU Council Conclusions of 18 June 2019, especially in key areas of media freedom, the fight against corruption and trafficking in human beings. Montenegro's stronger involvement in international police cooperation has resulted in successful operations against criminal groups, both at home and abroad. An initial balance of track record of investigations, prosecutions and final judgments in high-level corruption cases has been established. To go further and in detail: the document identifies concrete activities to reduce the backlog of cases in the courts; continuity in strengthening and promoting alternative dispute resolution; improving the Ombudsman's capacity to handle complaints and the quality and transparency of his work. The non-paper acknowledges Montenegro's legislative efforts in the media sector; reiterates the positive assessment of government's openness regarding LGBTI rights; notes that an initial balance of results is being developed in the field of combating trafficking in human beings; notes the measures taken by Montenegro regarding the creation of conditions for the establishment of joint investigation teams through amendments to the law; recognises continued active cooperation with Eurojust; reiterates positive observations in the area of international police cooperation, as well as an assessment of the trend of drug seizure,” Prime Minister Duško Marković stressed.
The Prime Minister said that if we do not see in this the assessments in support of Montenegro's progress in systemic issues, we do not want to recognise the reality, and that this is a cause for concern.
"But not in terms of the non-paper, but our internal weaknesses to accept reality and facts, whatever they are," the Prime Minister underscored.
Prime Minister Marković shared the information that 267 public officials have resigned or have been removed from office based on the Opinions and Decisions of the Anti-Corruption Agency, that the Special State Prosecutor's Office has so far indicted corruption offenses for damage to the State worth EUR 100 million, which also resulted in the final judgments against senior officials and that the Government has fulfiled all the provisional benchmarks within its jurisdiction in chapters 23 and 24.
"Of course, this does not mean that there are no shortcomings and challenges. This is exactly what such documents are there for, and we see them both as a guidance to what and how to proceed, but also as a confirmation of maturity in the future stages of reform implementation. I will reiterate today that it is not the government that will join the European Union, but the entire society, and on the path to membership, every branch of government should bear its share of responsibility. Therefore, you also take the part that belongs to you as an MP. I will be free to say that the reasoning of the questions you have raised on this topic neither reflects what you as MP and politician aspire to, nor does it express your political and functional potential. In simple terms, you are expected to do more and differently. So take concrete steps to strengthen the parliamentary dialogue that will lead to the election of the Supreme State Prosecutor; election of members of the Judicial Council; improving the position and responsibility of the prosecution within the system; strengthening the credible role of the Anti-Corruption Agency. This falls within the remit of the Parliament. It is not a good idea to use the phrase "a captured state" in the Parliament on such a serious topic. Read in detail either the non-paper or the European Commission's Annual Report. They do not mention Montenegro as a "captured state". There is no such assessment, Mr Krivokapić, nor will it be if we do our job! When it comes to the indications and possibly a new approach of the European Union, for now, we are on the ground of a proposal from one country that has just been discussed among other Member States. It is still too early to talk about the possible impacts of individual initiatives on Montenegro's negotiation process. And be aware that we have no fear of any model or approach to enlargement policy, if such an approach is based on merit and puts the quality of reform at the forefront. … Instead of pessimistic interpretation of the non-paper, and wasting energy in the worst-case scenarios, let us invest ourselves and our experience in the further progress and development of the country. We have this opportunity and let's not miss it,” Prime Minister Duško Marković highlighted.
PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICE OF THE GOVERNMENT
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