Podgorica, (MINA) - Montenegro has achieved measurable progress in ​​prosecuting war crimes, owing to the strengthening of institutional capacities and improvement in judicial mechanisms, it was assessed at the meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Momo Koprivica and Chief Prosecutor of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals in The Hague, Serge Brammertz.

Koprivica’s office announced that he and Brammertz met in New York where Montenegro’s progress so far in ​​prosecuting war crimes and strengthening the rule of law was assessed.

“During the meeting, it was pointed out that Montenegro has made clear and measurable progress, thanks to the strengthening of institutional capacities and the improvement of judicial mechanisms”, says the press release.

It is stated that Koprivica reiterated the Government’s position in fully supporting the non-selective prosecution of all war crimes and impartial adjudication, regardless of who the perpetrator or victims are, stressing that it is a prerequisite for justice and the rule of law.

He noted that significant decisions have been made by the current government in addressing certain issues of dealing with the past, that have burdened society for decades and represented the avoidance of state responsibility for injustice.

Brammertz said that the report concerning Montenegro represents a positive example and a bright spot in the region, although further progress remains necessary.

He emphasized that it is important to continue the reform and further strengthen institutional capacities.

“The interlocutors emphasized that a verdict with the maximum penalty for a war crime was recently delivered, as well as that an indictment against a former police officer for crimes committed in the 1990s”, the press release adds.

These results, as stated, confirm the credibility of the Special State Prosecutor’s Office (SDT) and the overall commitment of the state to ensure full access to justice and prosecution of all perpetrators, without exception.