Deputy Prime Minister Bečić meets with Stuart Peach

Aleksa Bečić, the Deputy Prime Minister for Security, Internal Policy, European, and Foreign Affairs, met with Stuart Peach, the UK Prime Minister's Special Envoy for the Western Balkans.

DPM Bečić expressed his pleasure in meeting with a high-ranking official from the United Kingdom and a great friend of Montenegro. He recalled their first meeting two years ago when Lord Peach was appointed as the Special Envoy for the Western Balkans.

"The bridge of cooperation between security, police, and the military must exist, and I am pleased that you have recognized the importance of coordinating these bodies. What I find particularly significant is that this government has clearly prioritized issues related to the rule of law, which is vital for the future of your country," stated Peach. He expressed the readiness and commitment of the UK to jointly achieve victory in the fight against organized crime and corruption.

"As a new government, you have made an excellent start," emphasized the Special Envoy.

Acknowledging the friendly and optimistic words, the Deputy Prime Minister expressed great satisfaction with what has been accomplished so far. He highlighted the achievements, such as ensuring the full functionality of the Constitutional Court after three years, establishing the Judicial Council after a long time, electing the first female governor of the Central Bank in history, and successfully avoiding the Moneyval's grey list. Bečić emphasized the ongoing decisive fight against organized crime and corruption, witnessing numerous prosecutions, arrests, and seizures almost daily.

The Deputy Prime Minister underscored the importance of ensuring that there are no untouchables in Montenegro, emphasizing the need for personnel reinforcements due to numerous deficits. He particularly emphasized the imperative to strengthen the capacities and consequently improve the results of organizational units dealing with internal control, anti-corruption, and monitoring the lifestyle, property, and income of police officers.

"I want real change, not a replacement. We are not interested in the name of a criminal group or an individual because we have an obligation only to our country and the citizens of Montenegro. What interests me is that as a state, we bravely and decisively continue this process and bring this fight to a conclusion because no one can be stronger than the state," concluded DPM Bečić.