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Minister Nuhodžić: Montenegro's results in fight against corruption are indisputable, I urge civil sector to cooperate in eliminating differences in perception

Published on: Dec 9, 2019 • 7:00 PM Author: PR Service
Minister of the Interior Mevludin Nuhodžić said this morning at the 13th National Anti-Corruption Conference that Montenegro's results in the fight against corruption are indisputable, that perception distinguishes the actors of the social scene and therefore urged the civil sector to closer cooperate with the Government, noting that there is no doubt about the sincerity of the call for cooperation since the Government has repeatedly proven zero tolerance for corruption. 

"When it comes to detecting and prosecuting corruption offenses, in the area of repression, the European Commission notes [in the most recent Working Document]: that an initial balance has been established in investigations, prosecutions and final judgments in cases of high-level corruption, which needs to be further consolidated; that two persons were convicted of the so-called high-level corruption; that 20 individuals and one legal entity have been indicted for high-level corruption and abuse of office; that new criminal investigations have been initiated in four cases of high-level corruption against eight individuals and one legal entity; that in the first half of this year a gain of EUR 3 million was temporarily confiscated in one case; and that new financial investigations have been launched in eight high-level corruption cases. Of course, the European Commission's negative evaluation of our fight against corruption should also be mentioned. These assessments, among other things, are: that cases of investigation and prosecution of high-level corruption need to be further consolidated and that, although financial investigations are now being initiated in the earlier stages of criminal investigations, these investigations are still not being initiated systematically in all cases of corruption," Minister Nuhodžić said at a conference organised by the Network for Affirmation of the Non-Governmental Sector (MANS).

EC Document - benevolent analysis and road map

The Minister said that the Government sees the latest European Commission Working Document as a benevolent analysis, as a very useful cross-section and as a road map for all branches of government and the entire Montenegrin society in considering and planning the next steps and activities to be taken in order to achieve the desired European standard.

"If the facts are indisputable - and I believe that no one questions the facts of the Working Document - the question is what is disputable. My answer is that perception is disputable. What we conclude is disputable, or to be even more specific and direct - how we read this document and how we present it to the public. If our common goal, and I believe it is, is to solve problems through creative dialogue, to bring Montenegro as our home as quickly as possible to the level of the most developed European countries whose society we strive for, I repeat what I said at this same conference in 2017: Acknowledging the work of MANS and the civil sector as a whole so far, noting that Montenegro is in this segment - in agility, pervasiveness, professionalism and efficiency of the civil sector, certainly ahead of many, if not all, countries in the neigbourhood - I urge for a more intense continuation of partnership based, above all, on trust in one another and trust in institutions. That, I repeat and am convinced, is that crucial missing brick in building our common home as a rule of law society. Finally, if something was a Montenegrin characteristic throughout our history, it was an appreciation of those who are different or at least think differently," the Minister said.

No one has the right to doubt the Government's proven zero tolerance for corruption 

Minister Nuhodžić stressed the importance of closer cooperation between the government and the civil sector, and therefore reiterated the invitation to NGOs sent from this conference in 2017, saying that if there were any doubts about the sincerity of the Government in 2017, there is no place for such doubt now.

"Four days ago, on Friday, the Social Council held its session. In an area where our country is an example not only in the region but also beyond, through partnership, mutual respect and efforts of all parties, Montenegro successfully overcomes long-standing obstacles and problems and comes up with better and more advanced solutions. If we can work together in a sphere directly related to existence, and in one of the countries emerging from transition - then surely we can do it in this area as well. Therefore, I call again for a partnership, I call for a joint analysis of the situation, for a joint reflection on the next steps, to support each other and our society. Only together, only with synergy, only with better understanding and partnership can we move forward. In its work, the Government is committed to a responsible attitude of all institutions and to zero tolerance for corruption - which means that no one is immune and that there is no selective approach. If in 2017 someone doubted that, in 2019, I believe that there is no reason to doubt," Interior Minister Mevludin Nuhodžić said in his opening address at the 13th Anti-Corruption Conference.

Alongside Minister Nuhodžić, the introductory speeches were delivered by Chief Negotiator with EU Aleksandar Drljević, Ambassador of the United Kingdom Alison Kemp, Ambassador of Germany Robert Weber, Head of Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro Aivo Orav and MANS Executive Director Vanja Ćalović Marković.

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