OSCE Mission welcomes adoption of pro-European Declaration by Montenegrin Parliament

BELGRADE, 9 June 2005 -- The Head of the OSCE Mission to Serbia and Montenegro, Ambassador Maurizio Massari, welcomed the adoption by the Montenegrin Parliament today of a Declaration on Accession to the European Union. The Parliament of Serbia already adopted a similar resolution in October 2004.

"This is an important step forward for Montenegro," Massari said.

"In order to join Euro-Atlantic institutions such as the EU, Serbia and Montenegro needs a clear strategy and broad political consensus. The government of Montenegro is now mandated by parliament to produce this national strategy which must include clear commitments."

Under the declaration, the Montenegrin government will have to report to parliament every three months on the steps taken to implement the legislative and economic reforms necessary to fulfil the pre-conditions for EU membership.