The reforms that Montenegro needs to implement on the way to the European Union require a long-term plan and a stable government or, alternatively, the support of both the government and the opposition to agree on a common vision for the future of the country, said the ambassador of the United Kingdom in Podgorica. Karen Maddox.
"That is what is missing here and that is the reason why the international community is concerned about whether Montenegro can make progress towards fulfilling its goals for joining the EU," Maddox said in an interview with "Vijesta".
She said that if the people's representatives in the Assembly choose to form a minority government, it is up to them to decide.
"We will cooperate with the future government, if it shares our interests and values," said Maddox.
You (UK) are still a firm supporter of Prime Minister Zdravko Krivokapić's cabinet, while the majority of Quinte countries and the EU Delegation allegedly support efforts to form a minority government. What is the reason for your support for Prime Minister Krivokapić's cabinet?
We will work and support the government in Montenegro with which we have common interests and with which we share values. The current Government headed by Prime Minister Krivokapić has declared its commitment to Euro-Atlantic values. I am most interested in what happens in practice, more than what the Government declares, or what other people say about it. In practice, our countries cooperate closely, support each other in training obligations for NATO and exchange information when dealing with serious and organized crime. This kind of foreign policy of the Government and voting in the United Nations is largely in line with ours, and we are committed to many, the same global goals, including, for example, the protection of the climate and the natural environment. If we ever disagree, we have clear and honest channels of communication through which we can raise our concerns. Therefore, in practice, I believe that we still have many common interests and values, and that is why we can cooperate with this Government. If the people's representatives in the Assembly choose to form a minority government, it is up to them to decide, and we will cooperate with the future government, if it shares our interests and values.
Are you satisfied with the progress and reforms in Montenegro over the past year, especially in the areas of the fight against corruption and organized crime?
It is good to see that the Government is enthusiastic and willing to confront corruption and serious and organized crime. However, as pointed out in the reports of the European Union, major institutional reforms need to be implemented in order to create a more difficult environment for criminals to operate. The United Kingdom has close cooperation with the police in Montenegro. We support the police forces in Montenegro by providing training and equipment and exchange information to help our investigations. Our cooperation spans many areas, including dealing with financial crime, strengthening border controls, combating sexual exploitation of children and drug and cigarette smuggling. These reforms at a high institutional level need to happen and a lot needs to be done, but in the meantime, I can say that our relationship is stronger than ever and we are very grateful for the cooperation that we have that continues to benefit both countries.
There are announcements about calling early elections and shortening the mandate of the Assembly. Is it good for democracy and the citizens of Montenegro?
I see it as part of the democratic process. During the election, I said that a healthy democracy can sometimes be very vibrant - and sometimes democracy is a confusing and unpleasant process, especially when there is some kind of transition. If the members of the Assembly who represent the people of Montenegro who voted for them, choose to shorten the mandate of the current Government, then it is their democratic choice. That's democracy in action.
Is the image of Montenegro with international partners shaken due to political instability, as the opposition claims?
The United Kingdom firmly believes in the qualities of democracy, and Montenegro has proven that political change is possible and now there are diverse political voices both in the Parliament and in society. Democracy brings healthy challenge, but with it comes an element of long-term uncertainty. However, I believe that this type of reform that Montenegro needs to implement in order to fulfill its ambition to join the European Union requires a long-term plan and that it will require a stable government or alternatively the support of both the government and the opposition to agree on a common vision for the future of the country. That's what's missing here, and that's why the international community is worried about whether Montenegro can make progress towards meeting its goals for joining the European Union.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson recently appointed Stuart Peach as special envoy for the Western Balkans. What is his role?
Be Stuart Peach was appointed last month, and his role is reflected in working with the leaders of the Western Balkans in order to provide support and strengthen regional stability. He plans to visit Montenegro at the beginning of the year and I believe he will want to discuss how to reduce political tensions and encourage dialogue between the divided parties in Montenegro. Within his role, at the regional level and in Montenegro, priorities include promoting strong democratic institutions and tackling security challenges and serious and organized crime.
Does this mean that the political crisis in the Western Balkans has intensified, as there are interpretations of the appointment of a special envoy?
Sir Stewart's appointment shows that the British Foreign Secretary (Elizabeth Truss) is serious about increasing the involvement of the British Government in the Western Balkans. We are concerned about the political and social tensions that have increased in the region. This region is important for the United Kingdom - especially Montenegro, which is a NATO ally and a close European neighbor. Last month, at a meeting of six Western Balkan foreign ministers in London, our foreign minister said: "It is very important that we challenge the forces of hatred and division that are competing to prevent the progress of the past two decades... By deepening our economic and security ties with the Western Balkans , we can simultaneously work to preserve security, freedom and prosperity. Together, we can succeed in our mission to ensure that freedom and democracy not only overcome challenges, but thrive.”
Are you worried that Montenegro and the Western Balkans may fall under the influence of Russia and China?
We are concerned that Montenegro has become a playground where different values are present. We see great support in Montenegrin society for Euro-Atlantic values. However, as the American ambassador and I wrote earlier in our open letter, we are concerned because actors outside the borders of Montenegro are trying to have influence here.
How do you assess the economic cooperation between Montenegro and Great Britain, is there room for expanding cooperation and for a greater presence of British investors in Montenegro and in which areas?
I would like to see greater trade and investment cooperation with Montenegro. We hope to sign a bilateral trade agreement in 2022. We see opportunities for British companies to be involved in the green energy transition in Montenegro, bringing expertise in the field of renewable and cleaner energy. We also have world-leading firms for consulting services and project management in areas that include urban development, tourism and ports. Trade Envoy for the Western Balkans, British Prime Minister, Martin Vickers, has a special interest in Montenegro and I hope to see him here in the coming months.
Women are better at solving conflict situations
Research shows that women, due to the burden of obligations, are not interested in public engagement, especially politics. What would you say to women in Montenegro?
I believe that the reason why women say they are not interested in politics is that there are very few role models in leading positions in the Government and Parliament. They simply don't see a role for themselves there and don't believe they can break into what is seen as a male profession. I'm sorry that it is like that, because research has shown that women are better at solving conflict situations, and that they are better at finding compromises. These skills are exactly what the divisive Montenegrin politics needs right now. The way to solve this problem is to help those women who are already in leading positions to be more visible, louder and to give young girls more role models, so that they aspire to reach these positions. Montenegro is currently in the early stages of transition in terms of gender equality, so I would encourage women not to be afraid of breaking social stereotypes and to be ambitious and set high goals - because their country needs them!
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