| Press release | |
| 2 March 2007 - Ambassador Ron J.P.M. van Dartel's interview for "Vijesti" | |
| For Brussels Without Any Other Alternative Podgorica – It is obvious there is no alternative for Montenegro apart from joining the European Union. When is this going to happen is a different issue, it was explained by Ron Van Dartel, non-residential ambassador of the Netherlands in Montenegro with its seat in Belgrade. Shortly before today’s talks with Montenegrin officials, in his interview to Vijesti, Van Dartel announced the beginning of the realization of the support program for the Ministry of Defense worth EUR 620,000. This is to be celebrated together with the first celebration of Dutch Independence Day in Montenegro on 24 April. Since Montenegro will have a role in PZM (Partnership for Peace), we support the Ministry of Defense’s preparation for this. Our support program predicts giving pieces of advice referring to the organization of functional army and ministry with an aim to participate adequately in PZM. Who will be doing that? It will be done by two experienced counselors from the international Jefferson Institute who are also citizens of the USA. They will be working here for two years, and they already held counselors’ positions in other countries that went through the same process. Tomorrow they will visit a small office they will be working in. They will be advising on the matters of strategy plans, and they will be providing explanations of what it means to be active within the NATO organization. The first step is the creation of working plans. For example, there will be a lot of support from other countries, and we shall advise the Ministry how to coordinate all of that in the right way. What is the total price of it all? EUR 620,000 in total. It is a lot of money, but we are of the opinion that army represents a vital part of the society and Montenegrin system, and we see it as a basis of our cooperation. Do you plan any cooperation with Montenegro in other areas? First of all, we wish to help Montenegro become a functional new partner in Europe, and we are trying to define priorities in which we can have a significant role. Our first priority is defense area, the second is judiciary which we observe via OEBS (OSCE - Organization for Safety and Cooperation of Europe), and the third is the coordination of European deals that we support via UNDP (United Nation Development Program), whereas finances represent the fourth priority. We shall be representing your country in MMF (International Monetary Fund), and the World Bank. What is your opinion of the perspective of Montenegrin way to the EU? It is obvious that there is no alternative for Montenegro apart from joining the EU. When is this going to happen is a different issue. When you look at the map, you can see that Montenegro is a part of Europe, it belongs there. Even if you are not a member of the EU, you have a lot of things to do in order to create a functional democratic country with the rule of law. Such a country should be able to provide its people with working positions and good life conditions. That is something you can do on your own, but it is more complicated than it would be if you were a member of the European Union. Why? We can provide you with a model, Acquisi (EU regulations), support…You have already introduced the Euro as a national currency, but that represents only a small aspect of the European Union. If your aim is the creation of a functional country, you should become a European Union member. We gave you a promise that your country would become a member of the EU when it fulfills all the conditions. If you are willing to become a member of the EU, we shall keep our promise. |
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