OSCE Mission hosts discussion on live broadcasts of parliamentary sessions in Montenegro

PODGORICA, 19 September 2008 - Representatives of political parties represented in the Parliament of Montenegro met today to discuss live broadcasts of parliamentary sessions in order to overcome the current political impasse. The discussion was hosted by the OSCE Mission.

While maintaining the position of principle of their respective parties, the participants agreed on the following:

- As a first step, a temporary solution needs to be found and enacted as soon as possible, preferably by the end of the month. It would last for 3 to 6 months at most and create a breathing space for the identification of a reasonable and more sustainable solution by the expiry date of the temporary solution.

- The temporary solution would include the live television coverage, more comprehensive than the current programming principles require. A package of additional issues to be covered, as well as the source of their financing will be agreed upon by an enlarged Collegiums of the Speaker of Parliament.

- Agreement on this temporary solution between Parliament and the public service broadcasting will be concluded as soon as possible.

It was a common understanding that a better planning of the agendas of the plenary sessions is needed, as it is imperative for RTCG to know in advance when the live broadcast is expected, and also for the quality of the parliament's work, in general.

"It is in the interest of the people, democracy and parliamentarianism of Montenegro, to take a decisive effort to overcome the lasting parliamentary crisis," said Ambassador Paraschiva Badescu, the Head of the OSCE Mission, thanking the participants for their constructive approach and readiness for compromise.

The meeting was attended by representatives of 15 parliamentary parties, representing all caucuses in Parliament.