Head of OSCE Mission to Federal Republic of Yugoslavia visits Montenegro
(Vijesti)Ambassador Maurizio Massari, Head of OSCE Mission to Serbia and Montenegro (left), meeting the Montenegrin Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic in Podgorica on 21 January 2003. (Vijesti) Photo details
BELGRADE/PODGORICA, 21 January 2003 - In his first visit to the Republic of Montenegro, the new Head of the OSCE Mission to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY), Ambassador Maurizio Massari, held constructive meetings today with leading politicians, including Montenegrin Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic and the Parliament Speaker Filip Vujanovic.
Ambassador Massari spoke of the need to develop OSCE policies in 2003 in line with the priorities set out by the OSCE Netherlands Chairmanship, which include anti-terrorism, anti-trafficking and the fight against organized crime. The OSCE also intends to continue support for legislation in the field of judicial reform, police reform, minority rights and other sectors where the OSCE can provide expert assistance in 2003.
The Italian diplomat took the opportunity to announce that the OSCE intends to develop a range of anti-trafficking activities this year. In this respect the OSCE Mission intends to focus on all aspects of trafficking, including drugs, weapons and human beings. "Especially regarding human trafficking, we stand ready, if requested, to support the government through expertise, while we also would hope to help develop witness protection legislation this year, together with the Montenegrin government," Massari said.
The Head of Mission also reiterated that the OSCE would support institutions of the new union of Serbia and Montenegro, as Montenegro would benefit from strong and functioning institutions. More generally in relation to OSCE activities for 2003, Massari explained that "all OSCE activities will be complementary to the EU Stabilization and Association process, as this process will assist Serbia and Montenegro to move towards the European family."
Massari also met the newly appointed government ministers, including the Ministers of Interior, Justice, Foreign Affairs and Foreign Economic Relations and European Integration. The agenda included meetings with key representatives from the Socialist People's Party of Montenegro (SNP) and the Liberal Alliance.
Ambassador Massari spoke of the need to develop OSCE policies in 2003 in line with the priorities set out by the OSCE Netherlands Chairmanship, which include anti-terrorism, anti-trafficking and the fight against organized crime. The OSCE also intends to continue support for legislation in the field of judicial reform, police reform, minority rights and other sectors where the OSCE can provide expert assistance in 2003.
The Italian diplomat took the opportunity to announce that the OSCE intends to develop a range of anti-trafficking activities this year. In this respect the OSCE Mission intends to focus on all aspects of trafficking, including drugs, weapons and human beings. "Especially regarding human trafficking, we stand ready, if requested, to support the government through expertise, while we also would hope to help develop witness protection legislation this year, together with the Montenegrin government," Massari said.
The Head of Mission also reiterated that the OSCE would support institutions of the new union of Serbia and Montenegro, as Montenegro would benefit from strong and functioning institutions. More generally in relation to OSCE activities for 2003, Massari explained that "all OSCE activities will be complementary to the EU Stabilization and Association process, as this process will assist Serbia and Montenegro to move towards the European family."
Massari also met the newly appointed government ministers, including the Ministers of Interior, Justice, Foreign Affairs and Foreign Economic Relations and European Integration. The agenda included meetings with key representatives from the Socialist People's Party of Montenegro (SNP) and the Liberal Alliance.