NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has said today he expects all the alliance member states to complete the ratification of Montenegro’s NATO accession protocol in June 2017.
In his interview with RTCG public broadcaster, he said that Russia had no right to meddle in this process, because it is a sovereign decision of Montenegro and the alliance members.
Stoltenberg said that Montenegro would have its seat at the table at the next NATO Summit in May.
“Everyone is looking forward to welcome Montenegro as a full member of the alliance. The ratification process will be completed by the end of June. We have to get the accession protocol ratified in all 28 allies, before Montenegro becomes a full member. But Montenegro will have its seat at the table at the summit,” said Stoltenberg.
He commented on the strong support for Montenegro’s accession to NATO in the US Senate.
“It was an overwhelming majority. I think this demonstrates the strong commitment of the United States, not only for Montenegro joining NATO, but to NATO and the transatlantic relationship as well, which I welcome,” said Stoltenberg.
“I welcome the ratification of the protocol in the US Senate. Montenegro’s joining the NATO nations will contribute to stability of the region and entire Europe. I expect all NATO member states to complete ratification in June,” said Stoltenberg.
The foreign ministers of NATO member states agreed at a meeting in Brussels that they must maintain their presence, focus and engagement in the Western Balkans, which is crucial for European security, Stoltenberg said.
