Podgorica, (MINA-BUSINESS) – President of Montenegro Jakov Milatovic has returned to Parliament for reconsideration the Law on Ratification of the Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Energy between the Government of Montenegro and the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

 

According to a press release from the President’s Office, Parliament adopted the Law on Ratification of the Agreement with the UAE on 27 February. 

 

Commenting on his decision, Milatovic said it is not directed against development, investment or international cooperation.

 

“It is aimed at protecting the Constitution, the legal order, economic sovereignty and the long-term interests of the State of Montenegro,” Milatovic said.

 

According to him, the Agreement, in the form in which it was adopted, raises serious and multi-layered constitutional and legal issues that have not been adequately considered.

 

The Agreement envisages the implementation of projects without the application of legislation in the areas of concessions, public procurement, public tenders, competitive bidding procedures and the management of state property,” Milatovic said.

 

He believes that this calls into question compliance with Article 140(3) of the Constitution of Montenegro, which prohibits the distortion of free competition and the creation of a privileged or monopolistic position on the market.

 

“This places the domestic companies, as well as companies from countries that are strategic partners, such as the United States and European Union member states, at a disadvantage,” Milatovic said.

 

He noted the Montenegro must not suspend its own systemic laws for the sake of any individual agreement.