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DPM Pažin speaks to VOA: Visit to Washington was s...
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DPM Pažin speaks to VOA: Visit to Washington was successful, USA continues to support Montenegro's Euro-Atlantic path
Published on: Mar 7, 2020 • 9:00 PM Author: PR Service
Deputy Prime Minister Zoran Pažin said in the interview with Voice of America that his working visit to Washington was successful, adding that he had the opportunity to hear from US officials words of encouragement, support and understanding for the democratic needs of Montenegro's development.
DPM Pažin said that US officials expressed the readiness of the US, as a partner, friend and ally within the NATO, to continue to support Montenegro on its Euro-Atlantic path, which he found very encouraging for Montenegro.
He said that the meetings also discussed the issue of freedom of religion, i.e. the application of the Law on Freedom of Religion. "I reiterated the readiness of the Government of Montenegro, in open and constructive dialogue, to speak with representatives of the Serbian Orthodox Church on all issues relevant to the relationship between the state and the church." The Deputy Prime Minister expressed belief that constructive dialogue could lead to a mutually acceptable solution, especially if there was goodwill on both sides. "I am sure the expert level of the discussion involves focused legal issues, while leaving politics aside. I believe that taking into account the arguments of the other party, readiness, tolerance and patience can lead to solutions that will ease the current situation and that will direct us to some other, also important, topics in Montenegro."
DPM Pažin noted that US officials showed high level of understanding of Montenegro's need to have a contemporary, modern and liberal law which, with respect to international legal standards, provides every citizen of Montenegro, regardless of religion and nationality, to enjoy the right to freedom of religion. He added that everything was perfectly clear to the representatives of the Metropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral regarding this law, with the exception of a few issues.
The Deputy Prime Minister did not want to comment on the Metropolitanate's response to his visit to Washington. "I would not comment on their position regarding my visit. I want to treat my interlocutors with respect. I believe that this dialogue can lead to a mutually acceptable solution, which entails respecting the arguments of both parties, but also respecting the legal order of Montenegro. "
He stated that he expects the focus of the expert dialogue to be on the articles of the Law relating to property issues, i.e. Articles 62 to 64. He added that he considered that these issues were more the result of misunderstanding and lack of mutual trust than they were legally or otherwise complicated.
Asked whether the dialogue has a red line and whether there were issues that are non-negotiable, DPM Pažin replied: "The red line are the definitions written in the Constitution of Montenegro. Therefore, the legal order of Montenegro is a red line, it must not be crossed. The red line is also the need of all citizens, regardless of nationality or religion, to be treated in the same legal way, not to be privileged or discriminated against, and that is what we will insist on, but we are really very open to hear the other party's arguments and to show respect for the other party's arguments."
Commenting on the report of the US NGO Freedom House, the Deputy Prime Minister said that the Government was carefully and responsibly analyzing and reading the reports of eminent NGOs. "I am sorry that we have not been able to present our views on some of the issues addressed in this report. Our view would be somewhat different, but we respect the views expressed by the Freedom House." He agreed with some of the findings in the report, such as Montenegro's need to have a good institutional response to the issue of jeopardizing state property. "I believe that the Government - which is already working on this issue regardless of the report - will quickly have an adequate response to this type of challenge," the Deputy Prime Minister concluded.
OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER
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