Brussels, 21/06/2011 (Agence Europe) - Montenegro, which was granted applicant country status in December 2010, is now “the country which is closest to starting accession negotiations with the EU”, said Hungarian Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Zsolt Nemeth, who chaired the EU-Montenegro Association Council meeting in Luxembourg on 21 June. He expressed his confidence in Montenegro's ability to meet the seven benchmarks set by the Commission in its 2010 progress report and said he was sure that the country would be given the go-ahead to open accession talks next October. That is when the Commission will publish its opinion on the country. Nemeth's view was that Montenegro was “a model in the Balkans”, in terms, for example, of the “multicultural nature” of its society and the “rights of national minorities which are well protected”. He also hailed the “stabilising and constructive role” played by Montenegro in the Western Balkans region. Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Füle shared Nemeth's positive view on the reforms undertaken by Montenegro and on the stabilising role the country plays in the region. However, he was unwilling still to say anything about the opinion the Commission will bring forward in October on whether or not to open talks. All that he was prepared to say in Luxembourg on Tuesday after the Association Council meeting was that the Commission would make a “fair and objective” assessment of the progress made so far by Podgorica. Montenegrin Foreign Minister Milan Rocen is certain: his country will meet the Commission's seven benchmarks and the Commission will recommend opening negotiations in 2012. “If we keep up the momentum, I am certain that we will meet the criteria, certain that the Commission will have all it needs to give a positive opinion” on opening negotiations, he said. Rocen hopes, too, that neighbouring countries will also be able to progress. That Croatia is on the point of concluding its negotiations (probably before the end of the month) is “an incredible incentive and encouragement” and shows Montenegro and all the other applicant countries and potential applicants that “hard work pays off”. (H.B./transl.rt)