Brussels, 01/03/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 28 February, Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Füle called on the Montenegrin authorities to investigate possible irregularities during the parliamentary elections in October 2012 (see EUROPE 10710). The call follows the recent publication of audio recordings suggesting irregularities in the pre-electoral period, as well as allegations of influence peddling on the electors' list.
“We expect the authorities to fully investigate any allegations”, Füle said at the end of his meeting with Nebojsa Medojevic, the leader of the opposition party Movement for Change. “We will continue to monitor this matter closely, notably in the context of the upcoming presidential elections”, he continued, reiterating that the EU attaches great importance to the respect of laws guaranteeing the free expression of electors' political will.
During their meeting, Füle and Medojevic also discussed in general how the judicial system operates and the fight against corruption and organised crime. Füle reiterated that judicial independence is of central importance in the accession negotiations process and that “it is important for Montenegro already now to develop a track-record in this regard”. (CG/transl.fl)