Pendarovski: Macedonia under no threat even if NATO fails to extend invitation

In spite of some catastrophic predictions, Macedonia’s challenge in the coming period, should the country fail to get an invitation to join NATO, will not be to maintain its territorial integrity and sovereignty, because there are no such threats, but to develop its democratic institutions and the economy, said National NATO Coordinator Stevo Pendarovski on Thursday.

Pendarovski told debate “Macedonia’s challenges ahead of 2018 NATO summit” it is important to focus on the economic development, especially from the aspect of foreign investments, which obviously easily come in countries that are part of a broad and stable security system.

According to him, Macedonia’s challenges are quite specific and no other aspirant country is faced with a similar problem.

Navy Captain Gorazd Bartol, head of the NATO Liaison Office in Skopje, said it is encouraging to see the government organizing series of events observing the NATO Day.

“It is also encouraging to see an increased dynamics in the country’s Euro-Atlantic integration. Furthermore, I see today’s conference as part of the intensive efforts in highlighting the importance of Euro-Atlantic integration. We have achieved great progress, but there is still more to do,” said Bartol.

The NATO Secretary-General told me, he added, to tell you again that the doors of the Alliance are open for you.

“The open-door policy was established by the Washington Treaty and accession has been a story of success. Each enlargement round has resulted in stability and prosperity in Europe,” stressed Bartol.

He said the example of Montenegro clearly demonstrates that NATO doors remain open.

“During this difficult endeavor you will receive every support that NATO can provide. The Alliance wants to see your country achieving its aspirations and successfully integrating as a stable, secure and democratically prosperous state. I salute you and hope the objective of the country to become NATO’s 30. member will soon become a reality,” underlined Bartol.