Trump signed Montenegro’s NATO accession protocol

WASHINGTON - US president Donald Trump has signed Montenegro’s NATO accession protocol, thus completing the ratification procedures in the United States, the Voice of America reports.

Donald Trump; Photo: AP Photo/Andrew Harnik

The White House has not officially released a statement on the signing of the protocol.

The US Senate previously backed the resolution on the membership of Montenegro overwhelmingly – 97 to 2 in favour of Montenegro’s accession. Only two “no” votes came from senators Rand Paul and Mike Lee

After giving the green light to Montenegro’s membership in NATO, senators assessed that it would strengthen the alliance and democracy and the independence of Montenegro.

They also said that Montenegro’s membership will send a strong message of resolve to Russia “as it invades its neighbours and the international order”.

After the president signed the protocol on NATO expansion, only the Netherlands and Spain remain to complete the procedure of verification.