By destroying the confiscated tobacco, Montenegro has sent a message of zero tolerance towards smuggling, said Deputy Prime Minister for the Political System, Judiciary and Anti-Corruption Momo Koprivica.
He met with the Vice-President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Irena Karalambides.
The meeting discussed the role of the OSCE in reforms in Montenegro, European integration and further challenges in the area of the rule of law and the fight against corruption. Koprivica emphasized that Montenegro has made the most progress in negotiations with the European Union, that our legal and political system is undergoing a qualitative transformation and that it is largely aligned with European standards.
He particularly emphasized the adoption, as announced by his cabinet, of a comprehensive Anti-Corruption Strategy, the enactment of new and modern laws in the field of combating money laundering and terrorist financing, as well as games of chance, which "introduce order, strengthen control and protect the budget."
"Koprivica also emphasized the importance of the inventory and destruction of confiscated tobacco, which resolved the pressing issue, but also strengthened the credibility of the state and sent a message of zero tolerance towards smuggling. Finally, he emphasized the importance of planned reforms of criminal procedure legislation in order to ensure efficiency and strengthen the necessary procedural discipline," the statement reads.
Karalambides expressed her satisfaction with her visit to Montenegro, emphasizing "the great importance of the reforms that Montenegro is successfully undertaking," adding that Cyprus and Montenegro, as small Mediterranean countries with similar challenges, have much in common.
She emphasized that the OSCE strongly supports judicial reforms in Montenegro, which aim to increase public trust and Montenegro's earliest possible entry into the EU.
"Finally, Vice President Koprivica thanked for the visit and expressed his gratitude for the support of both the OSCE and Cyprus, of which Karalambides is a parliamentarian," the statement reads.
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