Thursday, 19 January 2017 15:47

Chairperson of the Committee on International Relations and Emigrants Mr Andrija Nikolić receives Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo Mr Skender Durmishi

Chairperson of the Committee on International Relations and Emigrants Mr Andrija Nikolić and Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo Mr Skender Durmishi have jointly assessed that Montenegro and Republic of Kosovo develop good and friendly relations, which are continuously upgraded through intensive political dialogue and cooperation in all fields.

Chairperson Nikolić said that a mutual decision on raising diplomatic relations to the ambassadorial level is a proof of built trust and mutual commitment to building good-neighbourly relations.

Signing of the Agreement on demarcation of state border (Vienna 2015) is a special confirmation of good relations between Montenegro and Republic of Kosovo, Chairperson of the Committee on International Relations and Emigrants Mr Andrija Nikolić said, noting that everything that happened in Kosovo after signing of the Agreement, including obstruction and deprecation by the opposition, and delay of ratification in the Parliament, is considered by Montenegro as an internal issue of the Republic of Kosovo. Chairperson Nikolić said that Montenegro, by its constructive attitude, thoughtful action and by avoiding direct involvement in the public debate on this issue, has managed not to contribute to further deepening of political tensions in Kosovo. On this occasion, Chairperson Nikolić expressed expectation that the demarcation issue will be resolved soon.

During the meeting, Chairperson Nikolić particularly emphasised the importance of constitutional recognition of the Montenegrin national minority in Kosovo. Ambassador Durmishi expressed belief that at the earliest opportunity the Kosovo Assembly would constitutionally recognise the Montenegrin minority.

Chairperson Nikolić informed Ambassador Durmishi that interest of internally displaced persons to return to Kosovo has increased, noting that Montenegro is committed to working on local integration and provision of accommodation, through international donations and aid, as well as from its own funds.

Chairperson Nikolić stressed that he has been following with a special attention all developments in Kosovo, supporting the dialogue between Priština and Belgrade and the efforts made in this direction, especially since these issues have their reflection to the regional stability.

Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo Mr Skender Durmishi stressed that Montenegro proved to be a friend to the Republic of Kosovo, and that the people of Kosovo felt the continuity and value of Montenegro’s support in the recent past, especially during the war.

Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo Mr Skender Durmishi said, during the meeting, that the Prime Minister of Kosovo was leading an intensive dialogue with the opposition, for the purpose of including the issue of demarcation with Montenegro in the parliamentary procedure as soon as possible. He noted that for the Government of Kosovo there was nothing disputable when it comes to demarcation with Montenegro.

Ambassador Durmishi conveyed the invitation to the Chairperson of the Committee on International Relations and Emigrants of the Parliament of Montenegro to participate in the Conference of Presidents of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the countries of Europe and the Balkans, which will be held in Pristina, from 19 - 21 February 2017.