OSCE/PERMANENT COUNCIL: STATEMENT ON CONDUCT OF

UNCLAS STATE 031527 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OSCE PREL PGOV MW SUBJECT: OSCE/PERMANENT COUNCIL: STATEMENT ON CONDUCT OF MARCH 29 PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS IN MONTENEGRO ¶1. Post is authorized to present the following statement at the April 2 Permanent Council meeting in Vienna. Begin text: Thank you, Madame Chairwoman. The United States congratulates the people of Montenegro for the conduct of the March 29 parliamentary elections. Montenegro has again demonstrated its willingness and ability to conduct elections in line with OSCE commitments. We view these elections as a further step in Montenegro's progress toward its Euro-Atlantic aspirations, and we commend the progress Montenegro has made since its independence. We concur with the March 30 Preliminary Statement issued by ODIHR, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, and the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly, which noted that despite some concerns about the conduct of the campaign, the election met almost all OSCE and Council of Europe commitments and standards. The U.S. Embassy, which also monitored the elections with four teams and one team seconded to ODIHR, supplemented the OSCE efforts and those of other diplomatic missions. The election was organized and conducted in an overall professional manner, allowing the country's voters to choose freely among a wide range of political options. We are confident Montenegro will continue with its democratic development. The preliminary report highlights some areas where efforts could be focused. Addressing such issues, subject to findings of the final report, will build upon recent achievements and ensure growing public confidence in the electoral process. Thank you, Madame Chairwoman. End text. CLINTON