In his introductory speech at the 16th SAPC, which is being held on 14 and 15 November in Strasbourg, President of the Parliament of Montenegro Mr Ivan Brajović, who also co-chairs SAPC along with Mr David Martin, Chairman of the European Parliament’s Delegation to the EU-Montenegro SAPC, pointed out that during the previous four months since the last gathering was held in Montenegro there had been active work on numerous activities in the Parliament. Mr Brajović reminded that now, with the major part of the opposition participating in the work of the Parliament, a committee for the improvement of electoral legislation had been formed, and this topic had also been discussed at the Cetinje Parliamentary Forum, with the participation of MPs from the region and relevant international organisations.
Speaking about the activities of the Parliament to improve the overall electoral environment, President Brajović among other things said that the agreement between the government and the opposition on the decision to form a temporary committee represented a reflection of the responsibility of all political entities that helped to create and adopt it towards the holders of sovereignty in Montenegro - its citizens.
- The ambitious tasks set for the Committee are a confirmation of the Parliament’s seriousness as well as of its commitment to our country’s European path. The Montenegrin government, strengthened with the continuous support of its citizens, has once again demonstrated its democratic maturity, willingness to have a dialogue, and openness towards the opposition and its proposals - emphasised President Mr Ivan Brajović.
He said that despite our existing legislation being adopted unanimously back then, we were aware that maintaining democratic elections was the essence of democracy and a prerequisite of security and stability, and thus of the overall development of each country - we were prepared to work endlessly on adopting the best practices and standards.
Representatives of the Montenegrin and European parliaments participated in today's SAPC session, following the introductory speeches by its co-chair Martin, Chief Negotiator Mr Aleksandar Drljević, and Ambassador Ms Anna Janković chairing the EU Council on behalf of Austria. Vice President of the Parliament of Montenegro Mr Branimir Gvozdenović highlighted the effective work of the Parliament, and also spoke of the comprehensive nature of the upcoming work of the temporary committee. MP Mr Adrijan Vuksanović talked about the state of play of the accession negotiations, Ms Marta Šćepanović on progress and results in judiciary reform and the fight against organised crime and corruption, while Mr Luigj Shkrela has dealt with issues of fundamental rights and freedoms, including free and professional work of the media. MP Mr Ranko Krivokapić from the opposition ranks actively participates in the SAPC’s work.
The SAPC will continue to work tomorrow when MP Mr Tarzan Milošević will talk about economic performance, while other topics will include Montenegro's role in regional cooperation and its contribution to stability in the Western Balkans, sustainable development, and environmental protection. At the end of the SAPC, recommendations and a joint declaration will be adopted.
The delegation of the Parliament also includes MP Mr Nedžad Drešević.
VIDEO:
SAPC day one - footage
Introductory speech by Mr Brajović - SAPC
Remarks by President Brajović - item 4 of the agenda
