General Grahovac for NAP: Messages were sent from the Summit in Podgorica that the Western Balkans is part of Europe

The Adriatic Charter Summit, held on August 2, in Podgorica, was marked by strong messages from US Vice President Mike Pence and regional leaders who attended the summit, writes the Patria agency.

Retired Air Force General and geopolitical analyst Blagoje Grahovac agrees with this, who assessed the holding of the summit positively and emphasized its strategic importance for the overall future political relations in the region.

General Grahovac told the Patria agency that Mike Pence's visit was planned due to misunderstandings with Russia, and that a clear message was sent from the Summit that the Western Balkans belongs to Europe and that the US will not give up on these areas.

- Another important message was sent to the Montenegrin Prime Minister. Not to the former Đukanović, but to the current Marković. The mere fact that Pence did not meet with Đukanović is a clear message to Marković that he must distance himself in his policy from the policy pursued by Đukanović – Grahovac points out.

Our interlocutor also highlighted the strong messages sent to Macedonia, which, since Zoran Zaev came to power, has been increasingly turning towards modern European trends. After the summit, the media wrote about Zaev's alleged consent to change the country's name in order to resolve long-standing problems with Greece.

- It is not even important which of the three proposed solutions will be accepted. It is important that the citizens of Macedonia will eventually rejoice – emphasized General Grahovac.

Grahovac reminded that it should not be forgotten that political relations in these areas were long dominated by crime and corruption, and that it is important that a new generation of leaders is finally emerging.

He also expressed hope that Serbia will follow Montenegro's path and join NATO, which would mean a lot for Russia itself.

- By Serbia joining NATO, Russia would have two sincere friends in NATO for the first time, which would lead to a calming of tensions – stated Blagoje Grahovac for NAP.