It is natural for Montenegro to have relations with countries outside the European Union (EU) and in this context we are aware of the recently signed agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on economic cooperation and joint investments. Economic growth is in Montenegro's interest, but it needs to be achieved in a manner that is in line with EU standards.
This was officially stated yesterday to "Vijesti" at the EU Delegation in Podgorica in response to questions about their position regarding the Agreement signed by the governments of Montenegro and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on cooperation in the field of tourism and real estate development and whether this agreement could affect Montenegro's EU accession process.
"In accordance with EU and Montenegrin public procurement legislation, as well as in accordance with the Reform Agenda, Montenegro remains committed to fully applying the principles of equal treatment, non-discrimination and transparency when implementing all contracts and agreements concluded within the framework of the cooperation agreement with the UAE," the Delegation said.
Yesterday, at its session, the Government adopted two draft laws - on the ratification of the Agreement between the Government of Montenegro and the Government of the United Arab Emirates on Economic Cooperation and on the ratification of the Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Tourism and Real Estate Development.
Prime Minister Milojko Spajic Yesterday, at a press conference, he said that the Government had given its consent to these agreements, and that ministers from the Democratic People's Party (DNP) had certain reservations.
"Vijesti" has learned from several sources within the Government that the Deputy Prime Ministers Milun Zogović (DNP) and Momo Koprivica (Democrats) and Minister of Transportation Maja Vukićević (DNP) expressed their opinion regarding the draft law on the agreement on cooperation in the field of tourism and real estate development, while voting in favor of the draft law on economic cooperation.
"Minister Vukićević and Vice President Zogović pointed out that the DNP, whose members are not against the investment, but that there are certain doubts that need to be clarified for the specific Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Tourism and Real Estate Development and the projects that were mentioned. Vice President Koprivica did not give an explanation other than saying that he was expressing his opinion," said a source for "Vijesti".
At a press conference after the Government session, Spajić said that these agreements will be sent to the Parliament as laws for consideration and that before that, he will have discussions with all parliamentary groups to resolve any doubts.
The Constitution of Montenegro states that ratified international treaties are an integral part of the internal legal order and that they “have primacy over domestic legislation and are directly applicable when they regulate relations differently from domestic legislation.” This means that interstate agreements ratified by the Parliament will have the force of lex specialis law and be above domestic laws in the event of any dispute.
The agreement with the UAE stipulates that the country will select an investor for two real estate development projects in the south and north of Montenegro, but also, as they claim, guarantee their implementation. Montenegro is obliged to finance the construction of communal infrastructure to the location, adapt the plans to the investor's wishes and issue the necessary building permits.
The Constitution of Montenegro states that ratified international treaties are an integral part of the internal legal order and that they "have primacy over domestic legislation and are directly applicable when they regulate relations differently from domestic legislation."
Spajić stated that it is not yet known exactly what the investor's choice will be, although he has had several meetings with a businessman from the UAE in recent months. Mohamed Alabaro who presented a project for the massive construction of residential and commercial buildings on Velika Plaza worth 30 billion euros. Alabar sought a 99-year lease on Velika Plaza.
Spajić said that this investor is considering two more locations for a similar investment, one in a country that has access to the Atlantic Ocean, and the other in the Mediterranean. He also stated that all parliamentary groups and local governments should be responsible for accepting this project, so as not to explain to their children and grandchildren how they missed out on 35 billion.
President of the Municipality of Ulcinj Genzi Nimanbeg said yesterday that Ulcinj is not for sale, and that history, identity and natural resources cannot be given up to someone for the sake of narrow interests. In Ulcinj, on Saturday, April 5th at noon, instead of the formal session of the local parliament, a protest will be held on Mala plaža, to which the first man of the city and representatives of all political parties have invited them.
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