Stoltenberg for Macedonia: NATO membership only after implementation of the agreement

Allow me to conclude by stressing that we have all followed closely Sunday's consultative referendum in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. I spoke to Prime Minister Zoran Zaev yesterday, we will remain in constant contact. I welcome the vote “for” in the referendum. Official Skopje will decide on further steps. NATO is ready to welcome the country as a member of thirty. But the only way is by implementing the Name Agreement”.

There is no other way for NATO membership. The accession talks have already begun. And I expect that by January of next year we will complete them. Once all constitutional changes are completed for the new name, we can sign the accession protocol. Giving Skopje a seat at the NATO table early next year. This is a historic opportunity. I call on all political leaders and parties to work together constructively and responsibly to exploit this option”, he said.