Macedonian parliament supports membership in NATO

The media in Skoplje quoted both ruling majority and opposition MPs who said membership in the Alliance is a good thing.  

Ruling Social Democrat Alliance (SDSM) MP Hari Lokvenec said membership in NATO brings security and stability, adding that the biggest benefits are economic not military. “The experience of south-east European countries shows that membership in NATO brings more foreign investments,” he said.  

Opposition VMRO-DPMNE MP Dragan Danev said his party supports the declaration on NATO membership. “Membership in the Alliance brings benefits as well as major obligations,” he said.

NATO invited Macedonia to join the Alliance after Skoplje and Athens signed an agreement resolving the dispute over the name of that former Yugoslav republic.