Victoria Nuland, a Visit to Montenegro

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, Victoria Nuland, in Villa Gorica, met top-level Montenegrin officials, President Filip Vujanović, Prime Minister Milo Djukanović, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Igor Luksić, and Minister of Defense Milica Pejanović Djurišić.

In an exclusive interview to RTCG, Nuland said that Montenegro had implemented major reforms and that the United States would do all, together with us, to complete the remaining part of obligations, which are necessary for membership in NATO.

Victoria Nuland, Assistant Secretary of State
”This is my first trip to Montenegro. So, we thought it was a good timing for it. First of all, I am very happy that I can convey very positive views of the U.S. on the state of Montenegro. There is an evident political progress, and an economic progress, progress in the field of security, which is very important because of both the road to the NATO and the road to the EU. All we have to do now is to roll up our sleeves together and talk about the work that is before us, and which is to be done in order to strengthen the rule of law, security sector, media freedom, and to create conditions for the U.S. investment. We want more American investments in Montenegro. This is a beautiful country with great potential, and we want more and we can do more together. ‘'

"As you know, the NATO member countries Foreign Ministers have decided to reach decision on inviting Montenegro for membership into NATO by the end of 2015. They announced that, with Montenegro, they would open a new phase of intensive negotiations. How do you comment the decision from Brussels?"

Victoria Nuland, Assistant Secretary of State
"As you may know, I'm a former Ambassador to NATO. I've collaborated with many countries that were at the same stage as Montenegro is now. Enormous progress has been made. There still remains a bit of work that must be done. Like I said, this is the period when all we need is to roll up our sleeves. We will assess together where we can provide support to reinforce reforms in the future. This was one part of my meetings today. "

"Do you agree with some analysts claims that whoever decided not to invite Montenegro in Wales had not assessed the situation in the Western Balkans well and the positive effects of such a decision? Was Washington dealing with those things?"

Victoria Nuland, Assistant Secretary of State

"First of all, we very much value the role that Montenegro has on a stable way of the Balkans community towards Europe, because not all your neighbours are so dedicated to it, so it's very important because you give an example. But, a real decision on membership in NATO is made on very concrete criteria on readiness. You need to be ready in all respects, to defend us all, and we all have to be ready to defend you, this is a very serious task. So, we have more work to do together, and I think we will succeed in it. Also, I think Wales will show that Montenegrins should be proud of the progress which was made in the fulfilment of all these conditions, especially in the security sector, as a contribution not only to the European security, but also to security at the global level, in Afghanistan, in Kosovo. We will acknowledge that in Wales. We will welcome all that you have done, and encourage you to go those last kilometres."

"What can you say about previous cooperation between Montenegro and the United States when it comes to the security sector? Why is that additional time necessary for consolidating the already completed reforms?

Victoria Nuland, Assistant Secretary of State

"I think I've already mentioned some things that we work on together. It is in the preparatory stage a good new law that ensures that your intelligence service is to be at the level of XXI century, and that it is ready for admission in accordance with NATO standards. That work needs to be implemented through the security system and the rule of law. Also, some court proceedings, which have already started, must be completed. We will continue to monitor the independence of the judiciary system and the willingness of your Government and society to fight against corruption. This is very important because corruption is not only the murderer of democracy, but also a threat to sovereignty, because parties outside your country can misuse it, and that is why we look at this segment. And, freedom of media, as I said before. We are strongly committed to ensuring that all NATO strong democracies must be open to suggestions and willing to hear them, but also to be open to their citizens through free media. These are all things that we discussed today, and you made progress on all of these things. But, there is, still, work to be done. "

"Do you see Montenegro as a NATO member during the next summit in 2016?’’

Victoria Nuland, Assistant Secretary of State
"I'll give you the same answer as I gave to all the countries that were in the same situation. It depends on you, the Montenegrins. You have to complete the demanding job in order to be ready.

"And, if we complete it?"

Victoria Nuland, Assistant Secretary of State
"I'm convinced that you can do it, and that there are lot of people here, who want to do it, so that everyone in the end can say "yes" to Montenegro."