President of the Parliament of Montenegro, Mr Ivan Brajović, welcomed this visit to Montenegro as a continuation of regular and straightforward cooperation between Montenegro and Italy, during the talks with the senators of the Italian Republic, Mr Paolo Corsini and Mr Vito Rosario Petrochelli.
President Brajović expressed gratitude for the support of Italy in achieving the goal of Montenegro to become the 29th member of NATO. He stressed the commitment of our country towards joining the EU and expressed expectation of Italy's support for the full implementation of the regatta principle when admitting new members, for which Montenegro has been pledging.
Senator Corsini said that the courage and determination shown by Montenegro on its path to NATO membership was a step higher, with the sincerity of intent on its European path.
"Europe has plenty to learn from Montenegro itself, especially in terms of religious tolerance and ethics of coexistence," Senator Corsini emphasised, adding that Montenegro has been a state that had restored its independence in a peaceful and democratic way.
Senator Corsini concluded that "Montenegro's entry into the EU was important from the aspect of stabilising the Balkans".
During a discussion on the current political moment in Montenegro, Senator Corsini expressed hope that those who boycott the Parliament would have to consider whether it was more important for their country to achieve their personal political goal or to preserve the dignity of institutions.
President Brajović assessed as unacceptable the demand of the opposition that prior to the establishment of a dialogue between the government and the opposition, the date of the new elections must be determined first, with the conclusion that the elections could not be repeated until the losing party has been satisfied with the result.
President Brajović hosts the delegation of the Foreign Affairs and Emigration Committee of the Senate of the Italian Republic
