Montenegro has formally joined NATO, with U.S. and Montenegrin officials sending subtle messages to Russia and the alliance’s chief trying to allay concerns about the U.S. commitment to the alliance.

Montenegrin Foreign Minister Srdjan Darmanovic handed over the Balkan nation’s accession papers in a ceremony at the State Department’s ornate Treaty Room on June 5, making the country the 29th member of the North Atlantic alliance.

The State Department’s third-highest official, Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Tom Shannon, said that Montenegro had asserted "its sovereign right to choose its own alliances even in the face of concerted foreign pressure."

Prime Minister Dusko Markovic, who also attended the event in Washington, alluded to his country’s past plight at the hands of larger powers.

"It is a historic event for a country and a nation which endured enormous sacrifices in the 19th and 20th centuries in order to defend their right to a free life, the right to decide our own future, recognized by the world under our own name, and with our own national symbols," Markovic said.

"We are celebrating today the fact that it will never happen again that someone else decides instead of us and our state behind our back, as was the case in the past,” he added.

Montenegrin membership comes at a time when the alliance is showing strains among its members, particularly in the face of mixed messages from U.S. President Donald Trump.

During his recent trip to Europe, Trump scolded allies for not meeting pledges for defense spending, and repeated his position that Washington was shouldering too much of the burden.

What particularly worried allies, however, was Trump’s lack of explicit endorsement of the alliance’s most important clause, known as Article Five. That clause is a “one-for-all, all-for-one” provision that obligates all members to come to the defense of any other member who is attacked.

It has only been invoked once in the alliance’s nearly 70-year history: after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States.

Politico reported on June 5 that the omission of Article Five from Trump’s speech caught his top national security officials off-guard, potentially signaling confusion or internal clash among White House officials.

Trump also caused a minor stir in Brussels last month when he appeared to push Markovic aside during a group photo for NATO leaders.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg alluded to the ongoing disputes between the Trump administration and its European allies. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, in particular, has signaled that any U.S. pull back meant that Europe must become more united.

"We are an alliance of democracies and we have, at times, different political perspectives. But together, we rise above those differences and unite around a common purpose: to stand with each other, to protect each other, and -- if necessary -- to fight to defend each other," he said during the ceremony.

For Montenegro, whose population is mostly Orthodox Christian, alliance membership offers protection from Russia, who experts believe has stepped up efforts to destabilize nations in the Western Balkans.

Montenegrin officials have charged 14 people in connection with an alleged Russia-backed plot to take over parliament during the October 2016 parliamentary elections and assassinate then-Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic.

In February, Markovic called out Russia and its allies within the country, warning of unrest and saying they should stop trying to interfere.

Russia has made no secret of its opposition to NATO membership. Moscow has said that Podgorica's NATO course runs counter to hundreds of years of "fraternal relations" between the two mostly Slavic, Orthodox Christian nations.

Russia wields considerable economic power, as it is the largest investor and an estimated 7,000 Russian nationals permanently reside in the nation of about 620,000.

Russians also own about 40 percent of the country's desirable Adriatic Sea coast and Russian tourists account for as much as a third of overnight visits in Montenegro.

"The anti-Russian hysteria that continues in Montenegro has only caused regret," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement released ahead of the ceremony. "In the light of the hostile line of Montenegrin authorities, the Russian side reserves the right to take retaliatory measures on the basis of reciprocity. In politics, as in physics, every action generates a reaction."

Still, analysts said it is unlikely Moscow will take any real action over Montenegro’s accession.

“The Kremlin isn't ready to commit significant resources to keep Montenegro out of the U.S. orbit,” said Maksim Samorukov, an analyst at the Moscow Carnegie Center.

RFE/RL’s Balkan Service contributed to this report.</s>WASHINGTON -- Montenegro officially became the 29th member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) at a ceremony in Washington on June 5.

Prime Minister Dusko Markovic officially handed over Montenegro’s accession instrument at the ceremony in the State Department's Treaty Room in the U.S. capital.

Markovic said his country's membership was an indication that "never again will anyone else decide our fate behind our back as it was in the past."

U.S. Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Tom Shannon, who attended the ceremony, said Montenegro had asserted "its right to choose its alliances openly even in the face of concerted foreign pressure."

The small Balkan country joins at a time when the alliance created to counter Soviet aggression looks to curb Russian attempts to increase its influence in Eastern Europe.

Montenegro was previously a close ally of Russia, but its decision to join NATO has outraged Moscow.

Nestled on the Adriatic Sea between Croatia and Albania, the tiny country and its $69 million annual defense budget may appear to have little military value.

Its army of some 2,000 soldiers will barely make a ripple in NATO forces, but its 293-kilometer coastline is a strategic parcel of real estate -- the penultimate piece in the Adriatic puzzle.

With the former Yugoslav republic securely in the fold, NATO will control the entire coast of the Adriatic, from the heel of Italy's boot to the rugged shores of Greece, except for a 20-kilometer stretch of land held by Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Montenegro's accession "reaffirms to other aspirants that NATO’s door remains open to those countries willing and able to make the reforms necessary to meet NATO’s high standards, and to accept the risks, responsibilities, as well as benefits of membership," the U.S. State Department said in a statement.

Montenegro’s accession also marks the end of a long and often arduous road to membership that the Kremlin has repeatedly tried to derail.

Moscow has said in various contexts that Podgorica's NATO course runs counter to hundreds of years of "fraternal relations" between the two mostly Slavic, Orthodox Christian nations.

Russia also wields considerable economic power, as it is the largest investor in the Balkan country and an estimated 7,000 Russian nationals permanently reside in the nation of about 620,000.

Russians own about 40 percent of the country's desirable Adriatic Sea coast and Russian tourists account for as much as one-third of overnight visits in Montenegro.

Despite all its saber rattling, analysts said it is unlikely Moscow will take any real action over Montenegro’s accession.

"The Kremlin isn't ready to commit significant resources to keep Montenegro out of the U.S. orbit," said Maksim Samorukov, an analyst at the Moscow Carnegie Center.

Montenegro's flag is to fly over NATO headquarters in Brussels for the first time on June 7.</s>Montenegro Joins NATO, First New Member in a Decade</s>Montenegro has officially become the latest member of NATO despite internal opposition, after a ceremony in Washington, DC.On Monday, a delegation led by Markovic went to the US State Department ceremony hosted by Undersecretary of State Thomas Shannon, officially inaugurating the small Balkan country into the bloc. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg was also in attendance.During his stay in Washington, Markovic is also expected to meet with US Vice President Mike Pence."As President Trump has said, the NATO Alliance has been the bulwark of international peace and security for nearly 70 years," the US State Department said in a statement Friday."This event represents the culmination of many years of effort on behalf of the government and people of Montenegro to join the Euro-Atlantic community of nations.""Montenegro's NATO membership will support greater integration, democratic reform, trade, security, and stability with all of its neighbors. Montenegro's accession also reaffirms to other aspirants that NATO's door remains open to those countries willing and able to make the reforms necessary to meet NATO's high standards, and to accept the risks, responsibilities as well as benefits of membership."Another ceremony is due to be held on Wednesday in Brussels, where the Montenegrin flag will join the 28 others flying over the NATO headquarters. Montenegrin President Filip Vujanovic is due to attend, along with Secretary-General Stoltenberg.On April 28, Montenegrin MPs voted 46-0 to become the 29th member of NATO. However, 35 opposition lawmakers - almost half of the country's MPs - boycotted the parliamentary session, while hundreds of protesters gathered outside the parliament building before the vote to express their discontent with accession.The protesters chanted "Treason" and "Thieves" and held a banner that read, "NATO murderers, your hands are bloody!" They also burned a NATO flag before peacefully dispersing.Montenegrins were rather divided over accession into NATO. A survey carried out in December 2016 by the Center for Democracy and Human Rights (CEDEM) found that should a referendum on joining the military bloc be held in the country, 39.5 percent would vote for joining and 39.7 percent against.Montenegro's contribution to NATO will be relatively small: It has a mere 1,950 soldiers, 13 helicopters, two frigates and three patrol ships, and its defense budget is €50 million, or 1.7 percent of its GDP - less than the 2 percent target set by NATO and reiterated by US President Donald Trump.Critics in the US have questioned what benefits a country with such a small military will bring to NATO. However, the country's strategic position will give the alliance full control over the Adriatic Sea, as other Adriatic countries Albania, Croatia, and Italy are already long-time NATO members.Russia, by far the biggest foreign investor in the country, has warned that Montenegro's accession to NATO will diminish stability in the Balkans and the rest of Europe."The reasons for Montenegro to enter the alliance are unclear. Is someone threatening it?" President Vladimir Putin said last June at the 2016 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, also pointing to "the bloc's blatant disregard of our position."</s>The FINANCIAL -- Montenegro became NATO’s newest member on Monday (5 June 2017), upon depositing its instrument of accession to the North Atlantic Treaty with the US State Department in Washington DC.

At a ceremony marking the occasion, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg underlined that Montenegro’s accession to the Alliance contributes to international peace and security, and sends a strong signal that NATO’s door remains open.

The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Duško Marković and by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Montenegro Srdan Darmanovic and was hosted by the United States Undersecretary for Political Affairs Thomas A. Shannon, according to NATO.

"Today, Montenegro joins NATO with a seat at the table as an equal, with an equal voice in shaping our Alliance, and its independence guaranteed," the Secretary General said. Mr. Stoltenberg noted that NATO will benefit from Montenegro’s insight into the Western Balkans "and the professionalism, bravery and dedication of its men and women in uniform". He stressed that NATO’s collective pledge, Article 5, has kept Allies safe for almost seven decades.

Allied Foreign Ministers signed Montenegro's Accession Protocol in May 2016, after which all 28 national parliaments voted to ratify Montenegro's membership. A flag-raising ceremony for Montenegro will take place at NATO Headquarters on 7 June 2017.

Today marks NATO's first enlargement since 1 April 2009, when Albania and Croatia joined the Alliance.</s>NATO officially welcomed Montenegro as its 29th member on Monday during a ceremony at the US State Department in Washington.

Montenegro's Prime Minister Dusko Markovic and Foreign Minister Srdjan Darmanović presented US State Department undersecretary Thomas Shannon with Montenegro's instrument of accession to the North Atlantic Treaty.

Montenegro was formally invited to join the alliance in 2015 and despite awaiting its formal acceptance, participated as a full member during the NATO leaders meeting in Brussels last month.

Monday's event comes on the heels of President Donald Trump's controversial appearance at that meeting of world leaders, where he lectured fellow heads of state over their defense spending and failed to reaffirm US commitment to Article 5 of the treaty -- a key provision that outlines the principle of collective defense.

While Trump proclaimed the trip a "great success for America," European leaders have been critical of Trump's remarks, as well as his decision to withdraw from the Paris climate accord, seeing the President's actions as signs the US is ceding its global leadership role in favor of an inward turn.

On Monday, however, acting Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs John Heffern tried to strike a different tone in his remarks to the crowd of ambassadors and foreign officials, directly referencing the importance of Article 5 and collective defense. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg echoed Heffern's comments on the alliance's commitment to Article 5. During last month's NATO meeting in Brussels, Trump also drew criticism after he was seen pushing aside Markovic during a photo opportunity. While Markovic was in attendance for Monday's ceremony, Trump was not.</s>Exactly at 6pm CET, Montenegro has become a part of NATO, standing shoulder to shoulder with the most powerful countries.

“Today is a big day for Montenegro, for a nation that has made great sacrifice, since it has got a chance to decide about its future. We are part of a global policy again. There will be no decisions about our fate behind our back,” said Montenegrin prime minister Dusko Markovic.

“Today Montenegro has become a part of the most powerful and the most successful alliance ever,” he added.

Markovic also thanked the USA for its support.

“The USA has shown again that it stays committed to stability of the Balkans. I’d like to thank NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg for his constant support to Montenegro’s accession to the alliance,” Markovic said.

The PM has had a message for Montenegrin people, as well.

“Let’s stay united and let’s take the opportunity to make Montenegro better. Let’s be wise for the sake of our future as much as we were brave for the sake of our past. May eternal be Montenegro and may eternal be the alliance,” Markovic said.

The secretary general Stoltenberg warmly welcomed Montenegro, expressing satisfaction that our country would be at the table with the most powerful countries.

Montenegrin foreign minister Srdjan Darmanovic has submitted the document on behalf of Montenegro in the State Department, at 6pm Montenegrin time. Thus, Montenegro officially becomes full member of the NATO alliance.

In front of the NATO headquarters in Brussels, the mast for the Montenegrin flag has already been prepared. Montenegrin flag will be hoisted up in front of the NATO headquarters on 7 June.

At the recent summit in Brussels, although at the brink of full membership in the alliance, Montenegro participated as a full NATO member state.

After restoration of independence in 2006, Montenegro set accession to the European Union and NATO as a strategic goal. Official relations between Montenegro and NATO began on 29 November 2006, when Montenegro was invited to join the Partnership for Peace.

Montenegrin President Filip Vujanovic signed the Framework Document of the Partnership for Peace on 14 December 2006 in Brussels.

The foreign ministers of the member states decided to invite Montenegro to become a member of the alliance and to start accession negotiations at the meeting in Brussels on 2 December 2015.

At a meeting of foreign ministers of NATO member states on 19 May 2016, NATO member states signed the accession protocol in the presence of Montenegro’s delegation led by prime minister Milo Djukanovic. Then it was forwarded to the parliaments of all 28 countries of the alliance for ratification.

The ratification process started on 8 June 2026 when Iceland ratified Montenegro’s NATO accession protocol. On 28 April 2017, the Parliament of Montenegro unanimously adopted the Draft Law on Ratification of the North Atlantic Agreement.

At the summit in May, PM Markovic said that Montenegro was ready for EU membership.

“Montenegro is ready and able to respond to the obligations arising from membership in NATO. This is a big day for Montenegro,” PM said then.</s>Washington: Montenegro officially joined NATO on Monday, just as the crucial Atlantic alliance appeared imperiled by US President Donald Trump's ambiguous commitment to its mutual defense pledge.

Foreign Minister Srdjan Darmanovic submitted Montenegro's official accession papers in a ceremony at the US State Department, making the small Balkan State the 29th member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.</s>Though the deal has effectively been done for weeks, the tiny Balkan nation of Montenegro formally joined NATO today, becoming the alliance’s 29th member, and its first new member in nearly a decade. Croatia and Albania were the last NATO members to join, on April 1 of 2009.

Montenegro’s accession was a controversial one, as the nation is domestically split heavily over the issue, with the nation’s historic ties and heavy financial ties to Russia making many fear that they risk losing much by joining NATO. NATO’s attack on them during the Kosovo War is also still a sore spot for many.

Montenegro’s Prime Minister made his first appearance at a NATO event last month, and was immediately involved in a highly publicized incident, in which President Trump shoved him out of the way during his own arrival at the meeting.

The US was the last of the NATO nations to grant Montenegro’s accession, doing so earlier this year. the State Department praised the move today, insisting that the US remains committed to the NATO alliance, as well as the principle of collective defense among alliance members.
• Netanyahu: Israel Must Keep Military Control of Jordan Valley - June 5th, 2017
• Qatar's Tensions With GCC Took Root During the Arab Spring - June 5th, 2017</s>The tiny Balkan nation of Montenegro will become NATO’s 29th member state on Monday, joining the 68-year-old military alliance and the mutual defense security umbrella it offers.

“Montenegro’s NATO membership will support greater integration, democratic reform, trade, security, and stability with all its neighbors,” the U.S. State Department said in a news release.

Montenegro’s Prime Minister, Dusko Markovic is in Washington Monday for a ceremony to formalize the country’s entry into the military pact. On Wednesday, the country’s flag will be hoisted at NATO’s new headquarters in Brussels, making its membership complete.

The decision to add Montenegro, whose population of about 600,000 is smaller than Vermont’s, and whose 1,850-strong military adds virtually no capabilities to NATO, has been a source of tension with Russia. As a rule, Moscow bristles over former Warsaw pact states such as Poland and Romania joining the alliance as well as the former Soviet states in the Baltics. Moscow also opposes a plan for the republic of Georgia to eventually join NATO, a bid that also divides some NATO members.

Although Montenegro, as part of the former Yugoslav federation, was never a member of the Warsaw Pact and geographically distant from Russia’s borders, Moscow has nonetheless vehemently opposed its policy of integration with the West. Russia also has been accused of having a hand in a failed coup attempt last year inside Montenegro by Serb nationalists opposed to membership.

Meanwhile, Moscow has banned the import of Montenegrin products such as wine. It has also launched a campaign aimed at undermining Montenegro’s tourism industry, claiming the country was unsafe for Russian visitors who include thousands of owners of holiday-homes and yachts docked in marinas along the country’s picturesque Adriatic coast.

In the U.S., there also has been disagreement over the merits of adding Montenegro to NATO.

Opponents of extending NATO membership to small nations in the east argue that means adding more security consumers than security providers, and that growing NATO around Russia’s periphery adds unneeded tension.

In an acrimonious debate in March, Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., temporarily blocked the ratification of the treaty to advance the country’s membership, causing fellow Sen. John McCain to accuse the Republican of “working for Vladimir Putin.” Paul’s move was unusual given that votes of ratification are more of a formality after a prospective NATO member has cleared a lengthy multi-year process of meeting various alliance standards.

The opposition, however, was only a temporary hurdle for Montenegro, whose membership also had the backing of the Trump administration.
Montenegro officially joins NATO as its 29th member at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.