Podgorica, (MINA) – Montenegro is resolute to resolve a very delicate church issue, it will not fall for provocations and will abstain from aggravating the situation, but will without compromise defend its own interests, said president Milo Djukanovic.
On an invitation of Romanian ambassador to Montenegro Ferdinand Nagy, he was a guest at a working lunch gathering the EU ambassadors accredited to Montenegro.
According to the press release from the president’s office, Djukanovic thanked to Nagy for the initiative for the meeting and Romania for committed relation towards bilateral cooperation and European perspective of the region during its successful EU presidency.
He also thanked to Head of EU Delegation in Podgorica Aivo Orav and all the ambassadors of the EU countries for unambiguous contribution to adopting European standards and the system of values in Montenegro on its integration path.
Djukanovic argues that the conclusion of the General Affairs Council are below the Western Balkans’ expectations, noting that it would be better for the stability of the region and Europe and economic and democratic development if higher level of compromise was achieved.
He added that the Western Balkans region will not be stable without integration, and could not achieve the necessary tempo of economic and democratic development.
Thus, according to Djukanovic, it is of utmost importance that Europe finds balance between the expectations towards the Balkans and Europe as a global player.
He argues that in the past few years Montenegro showed evident progress and clear strategy and continuous growing capacities that guarantee that the strategy will be carried out.
According to the press release, Nagy said that Romania will continue supporting enlargement policy in line with individual progress, and that he shares EC view on the EU’s need to be a credible partner that respects its promises towards candidate countries that meet their requirements.
Orav emphasized the need for additional efforts with the goal of improving the rule of law, fight against corruption and organized crime, freedom of speech and media freedoms.
According to him, the EU recognizes positive progress in economic development, and praises Montenegro’s active role in the region, and its alignment with the common foreign and security policy.
According to the press release from the president’s office, special interest was expressed during the meeting for the process of adopting the new law on religious freedoms.
“Djukanovic emphasized that Montenegro is resolute to resolve a very delicate church issue, it will not fall for provocations and will abstain from aggravating the situation, but will without compromise defend its own interests”, the press release remarked.
It is stated that, responding to the questions on the implementation of ODIHR recommendations, Djukanovic expressed optimism in regard to further work of the temporarily parliamentary committee.
In regard to freedom of expression, Djukanovic emphasized that there is no dilemma about importance of that issue and importance of media for democratic development of the society.
“The goal is to through legislative and institutional framework conditions are met for full freedom and independence of media and maximum professionalization, which only can be a contribution to democratization of the society”, Djukanovic concluded.
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