Đukanović: Relations with Serbia improving

Source: Tanjug

PODGORICA -- DPS party leader Milo Đukanović says the relations between Montenegro and Serbia "are on the rise and have a good outlook".

Milo Đukanović (FoNet, file)

According to him, this is "thanks in large part of Serbia's state policy which respects Montenegro's independence".
"It is my impression that Serbia's current state policy is promising for everyone in the region and I think this is something that should be encouraging for all of us," Đukanović told Tanjug.

He welcomed the position of Serbian President Tomislav Nikolić to respect Montenegro's independence, as well as the statement of Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dačić who said he would do everything in his power to keep relations with Montenegro at the highest possible level, but without nostalgia and desire to return to the old days.

"We are glad Serbia's current state policy is formulated in such a way that it takes Montenegro's independence as a political fact, respecting the historical closeness between the two countries and reflecting the need to build bilateral relations on sound foundations, as well as offering a good example for regional cooperation," said Đukanović.

"This should also encourage our European partners that through such relations in the region, we will create the conditions for constructive cooperation and regional competitiveness, which will serve as an incentive to all and ensure that all countries in the Western Balkans become a part of the EU in the near future," Đukanović said.

Đukanović heads the Coalition for a European Montenegro, which includes the DPS, the Social Democratic Party and the Liberal Party.

The ruling coalition is the favorite to win the Montenegrin parliamentary election set for October 14.