SIGNATURE OF ACCESSION PROTOCOLS WITH MONTENEGRO
Media Rolling Script – 11 May 2016
This internal guidance is designed for NATO public engagements, not for distribution to the media. It will be regularly updated, as appropriate. Overall responsibility rests with the NATO Spokesperson.
KEY MESSAGES
MONTENEGRO ACCESSION TALKS – WHAT NEXT?
Montenegro successfully conducted accession talks in February, marking an important step on its road towards NATO membership.
During the NATO Foreign Ministers meeting on 19 May, the Allies will sign the Accession Protocol.
Once the Protocol is signed, Montenegro will become an invitee and participate in Allied meetings as an observer.
The ratification period will begin. Once all Allies have ratified the Protocol, Montenegro will be able to accede to the Washington Treaty and become the 29th member of the Alliance.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN IN CONCRETE TERMS FOR MONTENEGRO?
Montenegro’s civilian and military representatives will be able to take part in all the current debates at NATO, on the basis of the same information as everyone else. They will have the right to be heard and to influence discussion. They will not, however, participate in decision-making before the ratification process is over.
Montenegro will receive a formal invitation to accede to the North Atlantic Treaty and become NATO’s 29th member once the parliaments in all Allied nations have ratified the accession protocol. It will belong into our unique family of nations - the most successful alliance in history.
WHAT OTHER NECESSARY REFORMS DOES MONTENEGRO STILL NEED TO TAKE?
Montenegro has made progress in the rule of law, including the fight against organized crime and corruption. New laws have been put in place and new structures prepared. The emphasis is now on implementation.
The NATO accession process is not the end of the journey for Montenegro, but the start of a new stage. The accession process is challenging and demands continued reforms, including especially to further strengthen the rule of law and to fight corruption.
REACTIVE LINES
IS THERE A THRESHOLD FOR A LEVEL OF PUBLIC SUPPORT?
NATO is an Alliance of democracies. The question of NATO membership is a question of national interest. So it is important that the Montenegrin public is well-informed about the responsibilities and the benefits that go with membership in the Alliance.
We expect from countries that join the Alliance to show that there is a broad and solid level of support for NATO membership. It is for the government, which is leading the way towards NATO membership, to explain to the people why this is the right path to take.
We are confident that with each step Montenegro takes on its integration path support for the country’s membership in the Alliance will grow.
SHOULD MONTENEGRO HAVE A REFERENDUM ON JOINING NATO?
That is for Montenegro to decide.
RUSSIAN OPPOSITION TO MONTENEGRO’S NATO MEMBERSHIP BID
Montenegro’s NATO aspirations are a question for Montenegro and NATO to decide.
Each country has a sovereign right to choose its own security arrangements.
No third country has a right to interfere on the issue of NATO membership.
RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA AFFECT NATO'S DECISION TO INVITE MONTENEGRO?
There is no link between these two issues.
Montenegro’s NATO aspirations are a question for Montenegro and NATO to decide.
Each country has a sovereign right to choose its own security arrangements.
No third country has a right to interfere on the issue of NATO membership.
WHAT WILL MONTENEGRO GAIN FROM JOINING NATO?
NATO enlargement has fostered stability and security in Europe and it has brought us closer to a Europe that is whole, free and at peace. Joining the Euro-Atlantic family is a win-win for Montenegro, for the Balkans and for NATO.
NATO is an Alliance of values – and a force-multiplier. It is a permanent coalition of free democracies, with all the political, military and diplomatic advantages that this brings.
Montenegro has clearly demonstrated its commitment to our common values, its commitment to reforms and its commitment to join the Alliance.
Countries which joined the Alliance have been able to strengthen their democracy, boost their security and make the lives of their citizens safer. NATO membership strengthens your sovereignty. You get a seat at the table, and you help to shape NATO’s policies.
NATO is committed to the Western Balkans. We see the region’s future in Euro-Atlantic integration. And we are determined to help the countries of the region along that path if they so decide, regardless of whether they also want to join NATO or not.
It is not an easy path. It demands real commitment. And it demands real progress in reforms, and in reconciliation.
ARREST OF JOURNALIST JOVO MARTINOVIC AS PART OF POLICE ACTION IN MONTENEGRO – RULE OF LAW/MEDIA FREEDOM IN MONTENEGRO
We are aware of this case. But it would be inappropriate for NATO to interfere with an ongoing judicial process.
All NATO Allies expect Montenegro to demonstrate the highest possible standards in implementing the rule of law.
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