Đukanović: We remain committed to the principles and standards of human rights both as a member of NATO and a candidate for EU membership

We remain committed to the principles and standards of human rights both as a member of NATO and a candidate for EU membership, said the President of Montenegro, Milo Đukanović.

According to the press release of the Information Service of the President of Montenegro, he said this during a meeting with the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, in Geneva, where he is participating in the 52nd session of the Human Rights Council.

They add that Đukanović, pleased with the meeting, congratulated Turk on his appointment and wished him success in carrying out an important mission in a world with never-complex relations.

"He also expressed respect for Commissioner Turk's commitment to Montenegro and the region in his previous roles, with the expectation of fruitful cooperation in the future as well. Emphasizing that multilateralism is one of the most important priorities of state and foreign policy and that we see Geneva as the center of multilateralism in Europe , welcomed the work of the Office for Human Rights, with which we have an open and mutually beneficial cooperation," the announcement reads.

They state that he shared with Turk his concerns about the deterioration of the situation in the region and the reflections of aggression on Ukraine, stressing that the priority remains strengthening stability with the belief that the European system of values ​​is the way to stability and the provision of assumptions for democratic and economic development.

In the context of the visible consequences of external influences on Montenegro, as stated, Đukanović emphasized that the Office's reactions to the emergence of raised tensions are also visible.

"Montenegro wants to continue to be a role model in the region in the improvement, protection and promotion of human rights, as a serious partner building a democratic society as an integral part of the European family in accordance with European values," said Đukanović.

They add that Turk expressed great satisfaction with Đukanović's visit and the opportunity for an open and honest conversation.

"Your coming to the Council for Human Rights carries a strong symbolism because it shows the understanding that advocacy for human rights is the way to overcome divisions. As a good acquaintance of the region and Montenegro, which left an extremely positive impression on him, he said that he follows the internal dynamics in the country with the assessment that the direct consequences of the Ukrainian crisis can be felt. He emphasized that human rights as a universal category are the best way to achieve social cohesion, with the proposal that through the practice of national consultations on human rights, society should gather around common interests and issues of the future. He welcomed the results of Montenegro in relation to the resolution of the issue of refugees and the obligation it undertook to focus on the problems of vulnerable groups in the upcoming period, which unites society," the announcement states.

The Office of the Mediator states that agreement was expressed on the importance of a stronger presence of international organizations in the region in order to protect and reduce the influence of third parties.

"Đukanović reiterated that Montenegro remains a serious partner of the OHCHR and will continue to provide full support to the integrity and independence of the Commissioner and the Office," the statement concludes.