Montenegro invited to join NATO, Russia opposes
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has formally invited the Southeast European country of Montenegro to join the US-led military alliance, with Russia expressing opposition to the potential membership.
The invitation took place during a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels on Wednesday, with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg saying, “NATO foreign ministers have just taken the historic decision to start accession talks for Montenegro to become the 29th member.”
The development, he said, “makes clear NATO keeps its door open (and bolsters)... our vision of a Europe whole and at peace.”
The small nation had been hoping to receive the offer, which occasioned the gratitude of Montenegrin Foreign Minister Igor Luksic after it was issued. “Today we open a new chapter... it is a great day for my country and for the alliance,” he said.
The ex-Communist country, where many citizens have historical ties with Russia, has been the scene of protests against the government’s inclination toward becoming a NATO member. Montenegrin Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic has described the protests as an attempt to make the country look unstable, thus discouraging NATO from taking it on.
Moscow, which has time and again accused NATO of trying to tip the balance of power in Eastern Europe, has warned that Montenegro’s potential accession to the alliance could lead to confrontation.
A Russian senator was quoted by RIA news agency as saying on Wednesday that Russia will end joint projects with Montenegro if the country joins NATO.
Viktor Ozerov, head of the Russian Federation Council's defense and safety committee, said the projects which could be axed included those in military areas.
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