The Dutch parliament has decided to give Montenegro the green light for starting accession talks with the EU, which comes as a surprise considering the position adopted by a parliamentary committee last week that it is still too early for this.

MP Harry van Bommel told the Podgorica-based daily Vijesti that a parliamentary majority supported the opening of talks with Montenegro during a debate in principle. The Dutch parliament will go back to the issue at its December 7 session.

Montenegrin Justice Minister Dusko Markovic met Wednesday with Dutch Minister of Security and Justice Ivo Opstelten. According to a release issued after their meeting, the Netherlands supports Montenegro's European path, but needs to see more convincing progress.

Montenegro was granted candidate status for EU membership towards the end of 2010.