fbpx
European Western Balkans
News

Tannock: This process must remain Montenegrin led

Charles TANNOCK

BRUSSELS / PODGORICA – Following the unsuccessful talks to agree terms for a Government of Electoral Trust on Friday 19th February, I was approached by journalists for my opinion and responded with the following:

“It is disappointing that an agreement has not materialised at this stage. I understand that the Government had agreed to provide positons in 6 ministries for opposition members, in addition to a role for opposition parties in overseeing the work of 15 government bodies and 6 business entities of which the state has a majority stake in, positions which do not seem insubstantial. It appears that one area of contention has concerned oversight of the editorial policy of the independent broadcaster. I would be clear in stating that an independent broadcaster should be exactly that, independent, and oversight from any political party would be a cause for concern. I wait to see what the next proposals are but this process must remain Montenegrin led.”

Subsequent reports have claimed that I expressed a view that the opposition’s demands were unacceptable and placed excessive emphasis on the oversight of the RTCG. I think it is clear from my comments above that this is not my opinion, and that such claims must be due to imprecise translation of my original statement.

I would like to highlight from my initial comments that this process must remain Montenegrin led. I am confident that the political parties will reach a settlement that allows for elections to take place later this year that are free and fair, acceptable to all, and in a manner that bears testament to Montenegro’s maturing democracy and strengthening institutions.

Related posts

Osmani: DUI will participate in Government led by SDSM

EWB Archives

Regional conference "Move.Link.Engage. New Modes of Governance in the Western Balkans" starts today in Belgrade

EWB Archives

Defence Minister of Albania attends CEDC meeting, affirms Albania's commitment to deal with illegal migration

EWB Archives