WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The United States stands ready to support Montenegro's accession to NATO when the issue is raised at the December 1 NATO foreign ministerial meeting, US Department of State spokesperson Elizabeth Trudeau stated on Monday.
"We are prepared to support an invitation to Montenegro at NATO’s foreign ministerial in December," Trudeau said at a press briefing, noting that Montenegro’s membership will "contribute to Balkan and European security."
US support for Montenegro’s membership in NATO was based on the country making improvements in the rule of law and also gaining increased public support for accession.
In September, the United States announced its initial support for Montenegro joining NATO, which triggered mass protests in the capital Podgorica.