The cooperation agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in tourism is not an example of the rule of law, but rather an example of the rule of deals, said Montenegro’s President Jakov Milatović.
Milatović, speaking in Tirana at the European Political Community Summit, expressed his hope that Montenegro is steadily moving toward becoming a country governed by the rule of law.
He noted that in all his discussions, including a dinner with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Charles Michel, and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell, the emphasis was always on the rule of law.
“In that context, I commented that the tourism agreement signed with the UAE is not an example of the rule of law; it is an example of the rule of deals,” Milatović said.
He added that Montenegro must become a country ruled by law, not by deals of questionable character, as was the case before.
Milatović described the agreement as a step backward, not forward, in terms of the rule of law.
“These are clear messages from our European partners. Very clear messages. I hope the parliamentary majority and government take these messages seriously, as the steps they take in this regard will surely determine the pace of our European path,” Milatović concluded.
