Đukanović - Palmer: Return Belgrade and Priština to dialogue, seek solution for functional BiH

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The Western Balkans have no desirable perspective without integration, assessed Montenegrin President Milo Đukanović in a conversation with the newly appointed special envoy of the State Department for the Western Balkans, Matthew Palmer. 

Đukanović congratulated Palmer on his appointment to this responsible mission, which is a confirmation of the more intensive presence of the US in the region, which Montenegro continuously advocates. 

A statement from Đukanović's cabinet says he particularly emphasized the importance of having such a good connoisseur of Balkan affairs in that position.

The President of Montenegro told Palmer that he can count on the absolute partnership of Montenegro and himself personally to do together what is best for the region. 

He added that both sides share initial assessments of the problems in the region: insufficiently reliable peace and stability and an insufficiently clear vision of the region's prosperity. 

"The way to overcome this is integration, and the Western Balkans have no desirable perspective without integration, which is why we so strongly advocate the enlargement policy," said Đukanović. 

Palmer said it is no coincidence that Montenegro is the first destination he visits at the beginning of his mandate, because this country is a leader and an example for others in the region. 

He informed Đukanović about the priorities of his mission: encouraging the opening of EU accession negotiations for Skopje and Tirana, returning Belgrade and Priština to dialogue, and seeking a solution for the functionality of BiH. 

Palmer emphasized that in these processes he sees Montenegro as a partner, especially given the good relations it has with the countries of the region.