Gjeloshaj to ETV Portal: 11 minority MPs submit proposal to EU Delegation on constitutional amendments and minority rights, Satler’s response awaited

Montenegro’s Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economic Development and leader of the Albanian Forum, Nik Gjeloshaj, told ETV Portal that a unanimously agreed proposal outlining solutions for constitutional amendments and the advancement of minority rights had been submitted to the European Union Delegation in Podgorica on behalf of 11 MPs from minority parties in both the government and the opposition. They are now awaiting a response from the EU Ambassador to Montenegro, Johann Sattler, before proceeding with further steps.

Gjeloshaj told ETV Portal that Montenegro is not experiencing a political crisis, but rather political disagreements and a deadlock that must be overcome to prevent them from jeopardising the conclusion of negotiations with the European Union.

- I do not believe Montenegro is in a political crisis. There are political disagreements and a deadlock that we must overcome responsibly and swiftly to ensure they do not jeopardise the conclusion of negotiations with the European Union - Gjeloshaj said.

He stated that a unanimously agreed proposal had been submitted to the EU Delegation in Podgorica on behalf of 11 MPs from minority parties in both the government and the opposition.

- The solution is on the table, and we are awaiting a response so that, following prior coordination with Ambassador Sattler, we can immediately proceed with the vote on constitutional amendments relating to integrity - Gjeloshaj said.

According to him, the proposal also includes measures to advance minority rights in line with the requirements under Chapter 23.

EXPECTING THE EUROPEAN UNION’S SUPPORT

Gjeloshaj stressed that the coming days would show whether there is sufficient democratic capacity to fulfil Montenegro’s European obligations and advance minority rights in accordance with European standards.

- In the coming days, we will see whether there is sufficient democratic capacity to fulfil our European obligations and advance minority rights in line with European standards. We expect the European Union to stand behind those standards, including when it comes to the rights of minorities in Montenegro - Gjeloshaj said.

„NO INDIVIDUAL OR PARTY INTEREST CAN TAKE PRECEDENCE OVER MONTENEGRO’S EUROPEAN FUTURE“

The Albanian Forum leader warned that Montenegro must not miss the opportunity to make progress on its path towards European integration.

- We have no right to miss this historic opportunity. No individual, no position and no party interest can take precedence over Montenegro’s European future - Gjelosjaj concluded in his statement to ETV Portal.