Brussels, 05/12/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 4 December, Prime Minister of Montenegro Milo Djukanovic said that European integration was his main objective. “Integration in the European Union is the main objective. The government is ready to continue the work on accession negotiations in a responsible way”, he said in a speech to the parliament before his investiture. In his view, “every step towards the EU will mean improvement in living standards and better conditions for economic development”. He added: “Establishing the rule of law and fighting against corruption and organised crime will be the subject of particular attention for this government on the way to EU accession”. These issues are highlighted by the EU.
Djukanovic believed that Montenegro's integration into NATO would be the guarantee of lasting stability and he stressed Montenegro's economy. “Overcoming the economic crisis, straightening out the economy and encouraging growth are the most important priority of this government”, he said (our translation throughout).
Djukanovic, who is 50 years old, began a new mandate as prime minister after the elections on 14 October - elections that were brought forward by six months because his government wanted to start again with a new full mandate of four years for the EU accession negotiations, which have been open since June (see EUROPE 10645). (CG/transl.fl)