NATO demonstrates the continuation of its open door policy despite Russian protests. Strategically, small Montenegro gives the whole of Adriatic coast to NATO, German media writes, Deutsche Welle reports.
Parliament of Montenegro voted accession to NATO on Friday. The decision was unanimous, but with only 46 votes – the rest of 35 MPs did not attend the session but were protesting in front of the Parliament. Official accession is to be finalized once Spanish Parliament ratifies the Protocol, which is expected in the following weeks.
German media write that the importance of Adriatic ports of Montenegro is much greater than that of its army.
„Russian oligarchs bought out large parts of Montenegrin coast. Now, Moscow is attempting to convince its citizens to stop going to Montenegro for vacations. Russians compose the largest group of tourists in MOntenegro”, the agency is writing.
„Montenegrin army has only 2.000 soldiers, but country’s strategic position allows NATO full control in the Adriatic”, Swiss media write.
„The opposition won’t accept the ratification. The country has always been divided on whether to follow the West or keep with Orthodox allies Serbia and Russia”, they wrote.
„Opponents say NATO bombed Yugoslavia in 1999, and that is why they should not join. Prime Minister says NATO now guarantees such things won’t repeat”, Swiss newspaper writes.
