Visit to the USA was organised with the aim of informing the partner on the course and results of parliamentary dialogue, initiated by President of the Parliament of Montenegro Mr Ranko Krivokapić upon his return from the visit to the United States of America in October, following the protests by the part of the opposition.

During the meeting with Mr Hoyt Brian Yee, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the State Department, President of the Parliament of Montenegro Mr Ranko Krivokapić informed his interlocutor on political developments in the country, in light of the recent events related to the process of setting the conditions for fair and free elections.

President of the Parliament of Montenegro Mr Ranko Krivokapić emphasised that the organisation of the undisputable elections was a priority for Montenegro in this moment. Free elections are the foundation of the state stability, as a key precondition for its further democratic development and Euro-Atlantic path, President of the Parliament of Montenegro Mr Ranko Krivokapić said. In that context, he said that all political actors must be aware of the fact that any obstruction of free elections would be an act of destabilisation of Montenegro and its path to the EU and NATO. President of the Parliament of Montenegro Mr Ranko Krivokapić said that, aware of the importance of democratic election process which would be acceptable to all in the moment of strong political tensions, he initiated parliamentary dialogue of the government and opposition, whose outcome in this moment depended on the willingness of the representative of the executive power to accept conditions for fair elections

Deputy Assistant Secretary of the State Department Mr Hoyt Brian Yee agreed with President of the Parliament of Montenegro Mr Ranko Krivokapić on the importance of democratic election process for Montenegro, adding that it would be a test of maturity of our state for its further development and fulfilment of Euro-Atlantic obligations.

During the meeting with Mr Michael Turner, President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and US Congressman, they discussed the further steps that Montenegro should undertake with the aim of completing the process of joining NATO.

President Krivokapić and President Turner agreed that compliance with democratic election standards was of great importance for successful finalisation of the European integration process. Mr Turner stressed once again Mr Krivokapić’s great devotion to the process of accession of Montenegro to NATO, demonstrated by affirmation of such advocacy at many important addresses, including the most important addresses in the USA.

At the meeting with Mr Damon Wilson, Vice President of the Atlantic Council, the challenges of the NATO were discussed, as well as specific political developments caused by the migrant crisis and unsolved conflict in Europe and Middle East. They noted that Montenegro, as a partner, should affirm the key values of the Alliance – primarily by promoting democracy and rule of law.