Brussels, 12/12/2012 (Agence Europe) - Hailing the start of negotiations and the ongoing chapter screening process, European affairs ministers said on Tuesday 11 December that advancement of the negotiations will be guided by Montenegro's progress in its accession preparation - including the fulfilment of its obligations under the stabilisation and association agreement (SAA) and in its areas of weakness. The ministers noted Podgorica's progress last year - including “to strengthen the functioning of the parliament, the judiciary, anti-corruption policy, human rights and the protection of rights of persons belonging to minorities” - and also the progress under way on constitutional and administrative reforms, the implementation of its obligations under the SAA and its constructive role in the region. “Montenegro is now required to build on the progress made”, the ministers state, stressing the need to further develop a solid track record in the area of rule of law, and in particular with regard to organised crime and cases of corruption - including at high level.
The ministers look forward to the meeting of the accession conference on 18 December and hope that “further progress can be registered on this occasion”. (CG/transl.fl)