Leaders of the political parties that support Montenegro’s membership in NATO welcomed the decision of the US Senate to ratify the accession protocol.
The president of the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) Milo Djukanovic said that Montenegro’s certain membership in NATO was the best news for our country in the last ten years. Moreover, as he said, it confirms that not only we knew in 2006 what country we wanted, but also that we have shown in the meantime that we have the capacity to achieve the goal.
“Although I did not doubt the US support for Montenegro’s European and Euro- Atlantic path at all, we could notice that a couple of objective circumstances created a room for confusion and doubt,” he said.
As he explained, he referred to changes in the top of the US administration and the tension on the global stage between the key political and security players.
DPS president said that overwhelming support for Montenegro’s NATO bid in the US Senate (out of 100 senators, 97 supported Montenegro with only two votes against) was another convincing confirmation that the USA steadily supports Montenegro’s European and Euro-Atlantic integration path. As he said it was also recognition for the results Montenegro has already achieved during the first decade of its independence.
He said that the chances in the area of economic and democratic development would open for Montenegro, thus fostering faster solving of social issues that burden every Montenegrin family.
“Also, Montenegrin membership in NATO will contribute to regional stability and the security of Europe. I am convinced that after our NATO membership is formalised, we will be able to preserve not only the state’s sovereignty, but also what is very important for small states and nations – our national, religious and cultural identity and that we will be able to preserve and successfully keep our right to cherish all friendships, including the traditional ones,” he said.
The president of the Bosniak Party (BS) Rafet Husovic said that the US Senate’s decision was expected, as another confirmation of good cooperation between Montenegro and the United States.
“The protocol ratification is really a great support and recognition to the government of Montenegro. People of Montenegro benefited the most from it, including the members of minority nations in the country. Today is an important day and we can say goodbye to all threats to security and the possible dangers that were constantly lurking,” said Rafet Husovic.
He also said that it was very important that the citizens of Montenegro could expect a higher inflow of foreign and even domestic investment after joining the alliance.
President of the Social Democrats (SD) Ivan Brajovic said that ratification in the US Senate confirmed that the US support was absolutely indisputable.
“Activities on the foreign and domestic policy that are implemented by the state and us as its representatives brought another major diplomatic victory. The decision of the US Senate can also be understood as a strong support of the United States for Montenegro’s democratic path. This is another important, much needed step towards achieving long-term peace and stability of our country and the region,” said Brajovic.
The president of the Croatian Civic Initiative (HGI) Marija Vucinovic said she was satisfied by the ratification in the US Senate.
“I am pleased that we, as a party representing a minority, are part of this project along with other minority parties, because it is a big step and the second most important step that Montenegro has made in recent history. The first step was restoring independence. And now, only ten years after that, Montenegro becomes a member of the strongest security alliance in the world – NATO,” said Vucinovic.
The president of the Liberal Party (LP) Andrija Popovic said he was pleased when heard the news from the US Senate.
“It was almost unanimous support. If there were any doubts earlier whether Montenegro would enter NATO, and now it’s gone. Montenegro will face other difficult challenges until it fully accesses the alliance,” he said, specifying that he refers to next attempts to destabilise the state.
He added that it was likely that Montenegro was offered a lasting peace and happy freedom.
The president of the Forca Nazif Cungu said that his party had no doubts the US Senate would ratify the protocol.
“From the security standpoint, Montenegro has received another concrete support that will certainly affect its economy. This decision is welcomed by all Albanians in Montenegro. It is a further cause for optimism and stability. This is not only Forca’s attitude, but also the position of the Albanians Resolute coalition,” said Cungu
