Montenegro is proof that differences can be wealth, if they are nurtured and respected, said Deputy Prime Minister Ervin Ibrahimović, adding that democracy should be a tool that unites.
As announced by the Government, Ibrahimović participated today in the World Forum for Democracy, which is being held in Strasbourg.
Ibrahimović pointed out that the topic of the Forum "Democracy and diversity" has a special significance for Montenegro, which is proof that diversity can be wealth, if it is nurtured and respected.
"Our country is proud of its diverse social fabric. Through the ages, we have learned that unity and respect for diversity enrich society and that these values must be continuously nurtured," said Ibrahimović.
As he added, democracy should be a tool that unites, and not a source of division.
Ibrahimović pointed out the importance of free and fair elections for the democratic development of society and the challenges faced by modern electoral processes, such as polarization, misinformation and foreign influences.
He pointed out that it is therefore necessary to promote responsible and ethical communication on social networks, so that, as he stated, the digital space would be a platform for constructive dialogue.
"It is our responsibility to build a society where differences are not obstacles but advantages, where political competition is not conducted to the detriment of citizens and where, after each election cycle, we all feel like part of the same community," said Ibrahimović.
He reminded that the 12th World Democracy Forum is being held in the year when the 75th anniversary of the Council of Europe is being celebrated.
As he said, the oldest pan-European political organization still faces numerous challenges in preserving its fundamental values.
The announcement states that Ibrahimović, on the sidelines of the Forum, spoke with the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Teodoros Rousopoulos.
Ibrahimović and Rousopoulos discussed the possibilities of deepening the partnership and emphasized the need for continuous international support to the Western Balkans.
"Montenegro, as a leader in the process of negotiations with the EU, but also as a member of the Council of Europe, is fully committed to reaching the standards and affirming the values of the SE", stated Ibrahimović.
Rousopoulos assessed that Montenegro shows commitment to implementing the necessary reforms, in order to fulfill the goal of becoming the next member of the European Union (EU) in the coming period.
As announced by the Government, Ibrahimović also spoke with the President of the European Court of Human Rights, Marko Bošnjak, in Strasbourg today.
He emphasized the importance of the European Convention on Human Rights and confirmed Montenegro's commitment to respecting and implementing the Court's judgments.
"The meeting discussed the challenges faced by the member states in terms of the implementation of judgments, with the assessment that the European Convention on Human Rights and the practice of the Court made an indisputable and significant contribution to the construction of the European system for the promotion and protection of human rights," says the announcement.
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