23/01/2024 Session
“As we navigate the complexities of our international and interconnected world, it is upon us to recognise that the values of democracy, the rule of law, and human rights are not just regional aspirations but universal imperatives”, said the President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović, in his address to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe today.
He presented the fundamental historic changes that Montenegro has experienced over the past few years and underscored his country’s commitment to upholding the Council of Europe principles of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. “This resolved commitment is not merely a formality but a testament of our firm belief in the principles that bind us together as members of this esteemed organisation”, he noted.
The President stressed that the acceleration of the country's full integration into the European Union is one of the foreign policy pillars of Montenegro and spoke about “successfully unlocking” Montenegro’s journey towards the EU through the ongoing judicial, economic and fiscal reforms.
“Being aware of some of the inherited challenges in the implementation of international standards related to human rights and media freedom, Montenegro will strive to improve the media environment including to the already embodied changes of the criminal code, enabling the special protection of journalists, as well as true equality of opportunities for the vulnerable groups, including women, youth, LGBT+ population, people with disabilities, Roma, Egyptians, and others,” he noted.
Mr Milatović noted the importance for the Balkans to face the historical truth: “Our journey and the journey of our region, the Balkans, towards a better future needs a sincere confrontation with our past, and it is my firm belief that only a country willing to face its historical truths can generally lay the groundwork for a stable and reconciliatory future,” he said.
“I firmly believe that it is the duty of my generation of politicians in the Balkans to both forgive and seek forgiveness, ensuring there is no denial of war crimes, as facing the truth is the only part towards a genuine reconciliation in the region. And by confronting our history, we pave the way for a society were the wounds of the past can heal and where the lessons learned can become the foundation of a more resilient and compassionate region,” Mr Milatović stated.