The issue of national identity is taken seriously by Balkan people – including the least serious among them.
NATO Backs Adriatic Charter States
| 13 March 2008 |
The officials also believe that the dispute between Athens and Skopje over Macedonia's constitutional name should not slow Croatia’s and Albania’s integration process.
Athens objects Skopje’s use of its constitutional name, “Republic of Macedonia” saying it implies Skopje's territorial claims over Greece's own northern province of Macedonia.
“No solution to the dispute means no NATO invitation,” senior Greek officials have warned in recent months.
The United States' State Department Under-Secretary for Europe, Daniel Fried was quoted Thursday as saying Croatia was an important NATO military partner, describing the country’s development in military reforms and creating a modern army as successful.
NATO Commander in Europe General John Craddock said that all three Balkans countries, known collectively as the Adriatic Charter states, substantially contribute to the alliance's ISAF mission in Afghanistan.
He added that the their membership would not additionally burden NATO’s resources given the contribution they provide.
Source: index.hr / Balkan Insight
