In his address to MPs from 178 countries at the General Session of the 138th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva, where the topics included the strengthening of global solutions for migrants and refugees, President of the Parliament of Montenegro Mr Ivan Brajovićsaid that the application of the Law on International and Temporary Protection of Foreigners, which entered into force on 1 January 2018 in Montenegro, established an effective and unique asylum system implementing the standards of international humanitarian law and the protection of human rights.
Mr Brajović reminded of the fact that during the years of war in the neighbourhood it had been necessary to provide accommodation and satisfy elementary living needs for more than a hundred thousand people.
Considering the political situation in the region at that time, the economic possibilities and the level of development of the then Montenegro, for us this was a great burden and a challenge as well. Despite that, we managed to preserve stability and provide a safe shelter to a great number of refugees. That is why, with great pleasure and pride, we often emphasise Montenegro as the real example of a modern, civic and, above all, a solidary state, which continuously finds adequate ways to treat humanely and respectfully those who are forced to leave their country - pointed out the President of the Parliament of Montenegro.
During the meeting with the President of the the Inter-Parliamentary Union IPU Ms Gabriela Barron, they discussed the significance of various perspectives on certain issues of global significance which are discussed at the IPU Sessions prior to the adoption of the legal solutions. President Barron highlighted, among other things, the commitment of the Parliament of Montenegro to a greater representation of women in the Parliament through innovated legislation, as well as other activities to which the IPU should dedicate itself in the upcoming period.
Today, Mr Brajović has also talked with Speaker of the National Assembly of Bulgaria Ms Tsveta Karayancheva on continuation of the integration process of Montenegro and the Western Balkans during her country’s presidency of the European Union. Following the meeting, the Speaker of the National Assembly of Bulgaria said that she talked with President Brajović in a clear and open manner and that there was full consent in Montenegro regarding its European path.
- Bulgaria, as the chair of the Council of the European Union, will continue to help you in every way to achieve that goal, and the Bulgarian National Assembly, as the legislative body, can help Montenegro through our experts, expertise, as well as by sharing information, to harmonise its legislation with the EU acquis - said Ms Karayancheva.
The representation of a large number of countries world wide was an opportunity to meet, among others, with speakers of parliaments of Indonesia, Jordan, and Pakistan.
Mr Brajović will also meet with the Director of the Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces, and in Bern he will be received by Speaker of the Swiss Parliament Mr Dominique de Buman.
In addition to the President of the Parliament, the delegation of the Parliament of Montenegro at the 138th Session of the IPU consists of MPs: Mr Suad Numanović, Ms Jovanka Laličić and Mr Miloš Nikolić.
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The Inter-Parliamentary Union is a global organization based in Geneva and established in 1889, gathering 178 national parliaments. The Union’s activities were instrumental, among other things, in setting up the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague in 1889, the creation of the League of Nations in 1919 and the United Nations in 1945.
Speech of the President of the Parliament of Montenegro Mr Ivan Brajović - IPU
Statement by Speaker of the National Assembly of Bulgaria Ms Tsveta Karayancheva
Statement by Speaker of the National Assembly of Bulgaria Ms Tsveta Karayancheva
Footage - Geneva
