DPM Pažin: United States encourages and supports Montenegro to persist in its Euro-Atlantic and European path

Washington D.C., the United States (4 March 2020) -- The United States officials conveyed earlier today the words of encouragement and support for Montenegro to persist in its Euro-Atlantic and European path, Deputy Prime Minister Zoran Pažin noted following the meeting with US Assistant Secretary of European and Eurasian Affairs Philip T. Reeker in Washington, D.C.

The United States of America especially supports the affirmation of vital democratic values in Montenegro, such as the rule of law and the protection of human rights and freedoms, as a basis of true democracy, the Deputy Prime Minister stressed.

Deputy Prime Minister Pažin and US Assistant Secretary of European and Eurasian Affairs Reeker discussed security and political circumstances in Montenegro and the region, with a special regard to the adoption of the Law on Freedom of Religion.

"We have agreed that freedom of religion is of fundamental importance to democracy and that this right belongs to every citizen, regardless of nationality or any personal feature. Therefore, I truly believe that it is unacceptable and illegitimate to manipulate this right in any way," the Deputy Prime Minister pointed out.

It was particularly unacceptable to manipulate the freedom of religion as was the case in the 1990s, the Deputy Prime Minister noted. "We all remember that this period remained marked by the great destruction and suffering in the region. I am quite sure that we have all learned a lot from that period and that we have a democratic maturity in the region not to allow something like that anymore."

At the meeting with the US official, the Deputy Prime Minister reiterated the readiness of the Government of Montenegro to conduct an open and constructive dialogue on all issues, especially those resulting from misunderstandings or a lack of confidence. He expressed belief that Montenegro and the interlocutors on both sides have the professional capacity, patience and tolerance to reach a mutually acceptable solution through a dialogue that will lead to relaxation, which as he said, all well-intended citizens will enjoy.

DPM Pažin emphasised that Montenegro has the capacity to do so, expressing the belief that through a dialogue we will come up with a solution. He stated that the US partners understand the democratic need of Montenegro to have a contemporary and modern law, such as the Law on Freedom of Religion, highlighting significance of dialogue on the issue.

"We are ready for such a dialogue and I believe that we will continue a dialogue with representatives of the Serbian Orthodox Church at an expert level very soon. Our interlocutors consider this to be an internal issue of Montenegro, they support democratic dialogue and encourage both sides to give their contribution," the Deputy Prime Minister concluded.