Elections in Montenegro - Statement by EU Commissioner Rehn

Statement by Olli Rehn, Commissioner for Enlargement on the elections in Montenegro

"The elections last Sunday were the first elections following the independence of Montenegro. I am pleased to note that according to the preliminary findings by the report of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR), the elections were conducted largely in accordance with international election standards.

The principal challenges that Montenegro now face are the continuation of reforms and the consolidation of the rule of law. It is vital for the new government to build a widespread consensus for adoption of the new constitution and all the reforms needed, especially in the area of freedom, justice and security. Particularly important in the context of European integration is the need to improve the country's institutional capacity.

Following the Council's adoption of a new negotiating mandate for Montenegro in July, the Commission intends to re-launch the SAA negotiations with Montenegro at the end of this month."

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• "Europe's Next Frontiers" - Speech by EU Commissioner Rehn (10/10/2006)
• EUHR Solana statement after elections in Montenegro (11/9/2006)
• Commission recommends continuing separate Stabilisation and Association Agreement negotiations with Montenegro and with Serbia  (6/7/2006)
• EU Council Conclusions on Montenegro - 2737 External Relations Council meeting  (12/6/2006)
• Statement by Olli Rehn, Commissioner For Enlargement, on the outcome of the Montenegro Referendum (23/5/2006)