US Congressman Eliot L. Engel, Democrat Deputy of the Committee of the House of Representatives for Foreign Relations said Wednesday that Tuesday's votes in the Senate to support Montenegro's membership in NATO," it is a very good news for Montenegro and alliance."
"This vote shows that senators from both parties reject the ridiculous idea that NATO's time has gone. Instead, the alliance is critical in protecting the United States and our allies from Putin's aggression," he said in a statement.
Congressman Engel adds that NATO should continue the policy of open doors in the future."Now that Montenegro is entered on the path to full membership in NATO, I hope that all the other Balkan countries have the chance to join the alliance," says Mr. Engel.
The US Senate supported the membership of Montenegro in NATO, sending a clear message that United States would oppose Russia's efforts to increase its influence in Europe.
Ninety senators voted in favor of the accession of Montenegro, while two were against. Ratification required two-thirds of votes of 100 members of the Senate.
It is not known when we can expect the signing of President Donald Trump, who is the last step for the ratification of accession by the United States.
Montenegro is in the middle of clashes between the West and Russia over influence in the Balkans. The outcome could determine the orientation of the region, towards NATO and European Union or back into the Russian sphere of influence. Russia opposes NATO's expansion in the Balkans.
The membership of Montenegro must be ratified by 28 NATO member-states before its formal union alliance, only three member states have not completed the approval./Oculus News