The Democratic People's Party parliamentary group, led by Milan Knežević, submitted eight amendments to the Bill on the Agreement with the United Arab Emirates, which require that at least half of the total value of investments be in the north of Montenegro, and one project in that region to be in a municipality with a majority Serb population.
In addition, they propose that the expropriation of property belonging to a religious community requires the consent of that community, but also that the UAE Government must provide detailed information about the real owner of companies and individuals involved in financing projects, and that those against whom criminal proceedings or investigations are being conducted in Montenegro or the UAE cannot participate.
The DNP is demanding that participation in the projects be banned for anyone connected to current or former officials in Montenegro, as well as their immediate families.
All amendments were submitted to the agreement concerning cooperation in tourism and real estate development.
They emphasize that they want construction in the north for regional development, but also because municipalities with a Serbian population in that part of the country have been forgotten.
"This amendment ensures that at least half of the funds from the Agreement are directed to projects implemented in municipalities in the northern region, thereby promoting inclusive and balanced economic growth. The implementation of at least one investment project in a municipality in the northern region with a majority Serb population would contribute to strengthening economic stability in these areas, which were brought to the brink of existence by the previous regime," the explanatory statement to the amendment states.
They have sought protection of the property of religious communities, as they say, because sensitive issues have arisen regarding churches, monasteries and associated land, and they have a special status and protection within religious norms and the legal order. That is why they want nothing to be done without their consent.
They want to ban the participation of companies in projects and those connected to former and current officials in order to prevent conflicts of interest, abuse of public office and systemic corruption, while they want to ban the participation of convicted persons and those against whom criminal proceedings are being conducted in order to comply with EU directives and preserve Montenegro's reputation.
"In order to ensure transparency, prevent corruption and protect the public interest, it is necessary for Montenegro to have complete data on the ownership structure of all entities participating in the implementation of the agreement, including the Entity and other related parties. Given that the possibility of involving a large number of entities through subcontracts, consortia and various forms of cooperation is envisaged, an additional measure of transparency allows the competent authorities to identify and prevent risks in a timely manner," the explanatory memorandum to the two amendments states.
They also requested clarification of the word "initiation" in the agreement, which is not legally precise in the Montenegrin version of the document.
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