Defence minister in Washington: Montenegro meets the majority of NATO membership criteria and expects membership invitation

Washington, DC, US (1 May 2014) – It is evident that Montenegro has met the majority of criteria required for NATO membership and expects a membership invitation at the Wales Summit, Defence Minister Milica Pejanović-Đurišić said at the Atlantic Council conference “Toward a Europe Whole and Free” panel entitled ‘Defending the Vision,’ which took place in Washington, DC on 29-30 April 2014.

She reiterated this opinion during her meeting with US Vice-President Joseph Biden, who met with the panel participants. The Vice-President commended Montenegro’s efforts and commitment in Euro-Atlantic integration and noted that such results need to receive adequate recognition by the Alliance.

NATO Deputy Secretary-General Alexander Vershbow recalled the NATO open-door policy and noted that the aspiring countries will be assessed based on individual merit. He stressed that NATO will assist the countries in their efforts towards meeting the criteria.

Montenegro’s Defence Minister also discussed Articles 4 and 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, underlining that solidarity between member-states has always been key to Alliance’s success. She noted they provide a viable framework for tackling security challenges and should be used as a basis for future enlargement.

Minister Pejanović-Đurišić stressed that the values cherished by the European Union and NATO are a solid basis for the vision of a Europe whole and free. She added that the democratic values, such as rule of law, respect for human rights, independent judiciary, and solidarity are the backbone of Montenegro’s transition efforts, and added that the collective security framework would guarantee their further development.

 

Vice-President Biden closed the conference by stressing the need to establish a united Euro-Atlantic response to the Ukraine crisis and he called for unity and responsibility towards developing individual defence potentials.