Stano: We expect the appointment of the fourth judge of the Constitutional Court

The spokesperson of the European Commission, Peter Stano, welcomed the appointment of three judges of the Constitutional Court, stating that he expects the Parliament of Montenegro to find a consensus and appoint a fourth judge in the second round, in order to ensure the full functioning of the judiciary in the country.
EU negotiations are not a race, but a process based on merit, and each candidate country is encouraged to work as well as possible in order to progress as quickly as possible because it is for their own good and for the well-being of the citizens - said Stano at a regular press briefing in Brussels.
He welcomed the appointment of three judges of the Constitutional Court in the Assembly and stated that this is a step forward for democracy in Montenegro and for its EU perspective, Portal RTCG reports.
Stano emphasized that the re-establishment of a fully operational and functional Constitutional Court is essential for the stability and functionality of democratic institutions.
We invite and expect the parliament in Montenegro to find a consensus and also appoint a fourth judge in the second round of voting, in order to fill the remaining vacant position in the court and ensure the full functioning of the judiciary in the country - said Stano.
He reminded that, before Christmas, the high representative of the European Union (EU) Joseph Borel gave a mandate to the foreign ministers of Slovenia and Austria to go to Podgorica to deal with these issues.
When asked if he expects early parliamentary elections to be called soon in Montenegro, Stano said that it is not up to the EU.
What we expect from Montenegro is to continue its efforts and to continue making progress in reforms related to the EU, because they are important in order to ensure that the country's European perspective is followed and that Montenegrin citizens feel the benefits of accession as soon as possible - pointed out Stano.
M. J.