European Parliament continues to support Montenegro, praises its results in protecting LGBT rights

Podgorica, Montenegro (2 April 2012) -- The European Parliament (EP) will continue to provide support to Montenegro’s EU bid and its recent resolution in that regard is another indicator of the commitment, Euard Kukan, Chairman of the EP’s Delegation for relations with South-East Europe, said at a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice and Human Rights Duško Marković earlier today. 

Mr Kukan reiterated the EP’s belief that the accession talks with Montenegro are to begin in June, adding that such expectation was based on Montenegro’s track record.

DPM Marković informed the European parliamentarians about Montenegro’s progress in strengthening rule of law and judiciary reform, especially focusing on constitutional amendments as conditio sine qua non of the successful reform in this area. He hopes that all political actors will show responsibility and nation-building wisdom in order to reach an agreement and adopt constitutional amendments in the Parliament as quickly as possible.

Marković also acquainted the EP’s delegation with the efforts Montenegro has been undertaking in combating corruption and organised crime, emphasising the success of temporary crime proceeds confiscation.

The parliamentarians welcomed Montenegro’s track record in protecting and promoting LGBT rights, paying special attention to the collaboration with the civil sector in the fight against homophobia.

In that regard, DPM Marković informed the EP's representatives about a wide range of the Government's cooperation with the civil sector at the strategic level and through the working groups established by the Government which must necessarily include representatives of the civil society.