| Author (Corporate) | North Atlantic Treaty Organisation |
|---|---|
| Series Title | News |
| Series Details | 02.12.15 |
| Publication Date | 02/12/2015 |
| Content Type | News |
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NATO Foreign Ministers decided on 2 December 2015 to invite Montenegro to start accession talks to become the 29th member of the Alliance. Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg hailed the decision as historic. He stated that it was 'a good day for Montenegro, a good day for the Western Balkans and a good day for the Alliance'. The decision prompted criticism from Russia, which defended NATO's intention was to exacerbate tensions between the two sides. Montenegro's accession would result in 'retaliatory actions', said a spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin. The population in Montenegro was divided as to wanting to join NATO, with many pro-Russian Montenegrans opposed to the move. Protests calling for a referendum on the issue were held in November and December 2015. On 27 January 2016, Montenegro's prime minister Milo Djukanovic survived a confidence vote in the parliament, following the decision to join NATO. Mr Djukanovic had to rely on the votes of an opposition party after his own coalition partner abandoned him. |
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| Source Link | http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_125370.htm |
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| Subject Categories | Security and Defence |
| Countries / Regions | Europe, Montenegro |
