Podgorica, (MINA) – Montenegro has a strong political will and determination to fully implement the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), Deputy Prime Minister for Political System, Justice and Anti-Corruption Momo Koprivica said in Strasbourg.

According to a Government’s press release, Koprivica met in Strasbourg with President of the European Court of Human Rights Mattias Guyomar, and the Court’s Vice-President Ivana Jelic.

The press release said that Koprovica emphasized Montenegro’s committed to fully contributing to the work of the Court, not only through the consistently execution of its judgments, but also through the credible secondment of national judges, which further confirms its commitment to European standards and strengthening of international human rights institutions.

“We do not perceive the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights as judgments against Montenegro. On the contrary, they have contributed to the improvement of the human rights protection, the strengthening of the rule of law, as well as further developing the legislative and institutional framework for the protection of the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens”, said Koprivica.

He also informed the interlocutors about the Government’s measures to improve the restitution procedure and its plans to strengthen it through the Council for the Rule of Law, chaired by Koprivica.

According to the press release, Guyomar stressed the importance of cooperation and support, adding that it is particularly important that judgements are not interpreted as a punishment for the state, but rather as an incentive and a positive reform driver.

It was added that Jelic expressed her satisfaction with Montenegro’s progress in executing judgments, in particular in demanding cases.

“Efficient and timely execution of judgments is a key prerequisite for preserving the credibility of the human rights protection system and full realization of the rights guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights”, said Jelic.