OSCE crucial for Montenegro's success, Foreign Minister says

VIENNA, 25 October 2007 - The OSCE has played an "immeasurable" role in Montenegro's success since independence, the country's Foreign Minister, Milan Rocen, said in an address to the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna today.

"Montenegro is recognized in the region today as a European success story, as well as a concrete success of common European foreign and security policy. The role the OSCE had in this is immeasurable," he told the Permanent Council, the OSCE's main decision-making body.

Minister Rocen noted that the OSCE was the first international organization Montenegro joined after gaining statehood last year.

The Foreign Minister discussed his country's achievements since independence, in particular the adoption of a new constitution on 19 October. The constitution is generally in line with recommendations from the Council of Europe and OSCE institutions such as the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights and the High Commissioner on National Minorities.

He also praised the work of the OSCE Mission in Podgorica, in particular with the fight against organized crime and corruption, judicial and police reform and destroying surplus weapons.

In addition, he highlighted the role of the OSCE in supporting Montenegro's integration with the European Union.

"Montenegro sees the engagement of the OSCE as a part of its EU agenda. We believe that the synergy and co-operation between the EU and the OSCE activities is vital," said Minister Rocen.