Banks Leads Bipartisan Letter to NATO Secretary General Supporting Macedonia’s NATO Membership
Fort Wayne,
May 2, 2018
Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03) led a group of House colleagues in sending a bipartisan letter to North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expressing support for Macedonia’s admission to NATO.
Text of the letter can be found here or below. The Honorable Jens Stoltenberg Secretary General North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Headquarters Blvd Leopold III 1110 Brussels, Belgium Dear Secretary General Stoltenberg: Since the establishment of full diplomatic relations in 1995, the United States of America has readily supported Macedonia’s aspirations for full integration into Euro-Atlantic institutions and remains committed to helping Macedonia strengthen its democratic foundations. A vibrant, multi-cultural nation, Macedonia has a bright future ahead. We look forward to engaging with the government institutions and people of Macedonia to ensure that it realizes its full potential. We believe it is time for Macedonia’s membership in NATO. Along with our partners in the Executive Branch, we in the Congress have been closely watching the political and diplomatic situation surrounding Macedonia. As Macedonia continues on a path toward a stronger future, we see a tremendous opportunity to further promote our strong relationship with this key Balkan ally. We are particularly encouraged by the hope of progress through UN-sponsored talks and the willingness of Macedonian and Greek leaders to advance their relations. The United States has demonstrated the value of its partnership with Macedonia. We see that as its key institutions grow in capability and capacity, Macedonia is increasingly prepared to be a full partner in NATO. Macedonia has demonstrated its resolve through its participation in NATO operations in Kosovo and Afghanistan and has been by our side in Iraq. As NATO adapts to an increasingly complex security environment exacerbated by strategic competition with Russia, admitting Macedonia as a full member to our key alliance is imperative. With this in mind, we strongly encourage you to move forward in extending Macedonia an invitation to join the Alliance. This critical step will benefit the Alliance and advance transatlantic unity, as well as increase our advantage against any Russian subversion and aggression. Sincerely,
|