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McCain in Podgorica: Russia’s behaviour unacceptable

McCain in the Gorica Villa (Photo: CdM)

Russia’s behaviour is unacceptable, said the US Republican Senator who serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Armed Services, John McCain, at a press conference in the Garcia Villa in Podgorica.

McCain arrived in Montenegro a day after US President Donald Trump signed Montenegro’s NATO Accession Protocol.

“I congratulate the citizens who decided along with their leaders that Montenegro should be a member of NATO. Having in mind the turmoil in the world, it is important to ensure stability. I am convinced that Russia’s behaviour in the region and in the world is not acceptable. Russia’s behaviour requires our solidarity and strength in order to preserve the basic principles and values ​​of democracy,” he said.

He pointed out that Russia had tried to change the outcome of the elections in the United States and that there was evidence it was also trying to undermine the democratic process in other parts of the world.

“I am convinced that our alliance is strengthened. I believe in our friendship and military relations. I believe they are strengthened as well. So, this is one functioning democracy which, in my opinion, may represent a role model for other countries around the world,” he said.

This morning, McCain was in Sarajevo. He visited the site where Gavrilo Princip shot Franz Ferdinand.

“We know that the most terrible wars followed after that. I do not anticipate that this will happen today in this part of the world, but I think that we should not ignore those lessons and we should do all we can to strengthen solidarity and to work together to improve economic development, to strengthen the armed forces and thus preserve peace,” he emphasised.

Defence minister Predrag Boskovic called in mind interference of foreign factors before, during and after the elections in October last year, referring to Russia.

“We believe that the attention of major players still needs to be focused on this region because there have been tensions there recently… I am sure that Montenegro will know to take advantage of the benefits of its NATO membership, which is crucial to maintaining the stability and longevity of Montenegro itself,” he said.

Boskovic thanked McCain for his support to Montenegro not only on its European and Euro-Atlantic path, but also in terms of security sector reform, rule of law, fight against corruption and organised crime.

McCain is staying in the Balkans until 15 April.

In addition to Montenegro, he will visit Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo and Albania within his tour.

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