22. 07. 2022. 00:00   >>  17:48

GOVERNMENT SESSION

Proposal ready on taking over confiscated cigarettes, income up to 20 million

The Minister of Finance Aleksandar Damjanovic said that the Draft Law on taking over seized tobacco products from the territory of the free zone of the Port of Bar is ready. If the government were to adopt the proposal and send it to the parliament it could generate between 15 and 20 million euros, said Damjanovic.

"This is important information taking into account deadlines and administrative procedures. The proposal provides deadlines, takeovers, an offer to the former owners if they do not take over and take them out of the territory of Montenegro, then a public auction. Elements of compensation and detailed explanations were given," said Damjanovic.

The idea is that the Government and the Parliament resolve all aspects of the problem in accordance with international obligations.

Prime Minister DritanAbazovic said that the advice of the international community is to destroy confiscated cigarettes.

"That would strengthen our international integrity on that issue, but we will make a decision sovereignly. It is important that the citizens know that we have approached this issue seriously," said Abazovic.

His proposal is to come to a solution together in the commission with international partners.