Messages from US Vice President Mike Pence and regional leaders: Western Balkans remain stable

Russia attempted to destabilize the Western Balkans, influence the outcome of parliamentary elections in Montenegro, and have its agents attack parliament and even assassinate the prime minister to dissuade the Montenegrin people from joining NATO, said US Vice President Mike Pence, stating that Washington rejects any attempt to use force in the region, reports Patria agency.

Speaking at the opening of the Adriatic Charter Summit in Podgorica, he said that Russia wanted to destabilize the Western Balkans, RTCG reports.

- In times like these, we must stand together in defense of all that is important to us. We all have a role to play, and all countries today are 'weaving a great tapestry of freedom.' And here in Europe, we must be decisive and uncompromising in confronting aggression from unpredictable countries casting a shadow from the East - Pence stated.

He assessed that Russia is trying to redraw new international borders by force, 'and here in the Western Balkans, Russia has sought to destabilize the region, undermine democracies, and divide you amongst yourselves.'

- Trump has called on Russia to cease its destabilization. The US has rejected any attempt to use force or threats in this region and beyond. The Western Balkans have the right to decide their own future. The US will continue to hold Russia accountable for its actions and will call on our European friends to do the same - Pence specified.

He added that Trump, as a further sign of commitment to this policy, will soon sign a law strengthening sanctions against Russia.

- The US would prefer constructive relations with Russia based on mutual cooperation. But the President and Congress are united in their message to Moscow - better relations and the lifting of sanctions will require Russia to change the actions that led to the imposition of sanctions - Pence said.

He told the region's leaders that reforms await them, telling them that 'heroes are known in hardship.' The US Vice President said it was a great honor to celebrate the Balkans' progress with the Summit.

- The President of the United States sent me as a sign of our country's lasting commitment to the Western Balkans. The Western Balkans showcase the diversity of Western civilization. The Adriatic Charter plays a significant role in the alliance with Europe and the Alliance – Pence conveyed, saying he was pleased to be visiting Montenegro for the first time.

Pence added that the Charter is a testament to the US commitment to the region and its unity.

- The Charter began as a small community, and today it encompasses almost the entire Western Balkans.

He thanked Montenegrin Prime Minister Duško Marković for his leadership in the Euro-Atlantic integration process.

- Montenegro's accession shows that NATO has kept its doors open for new members who share the alliance's values. Trump and the US will continue to stand with the Western Balkans. By gathering at this Summit, we can ensure a better future, not only for the Balkans but for the West as a whole - Pence said.

He reiterated, quoting Trump, that America First does not mean 'America alone.'

- We are stronger together than when we are apart - Pence stated.

He told the region's leaders that they belong to a generation of new leaders.

- You have the opportunity to resolve all past problems. You can continue to democratize your societies. The task before you requires courage. Your citizens have placed their trust in you. As they say in Montenegro: it is easy to be good in good times, heroes are known in hardship. I urge you to realize your dreams.

Although not announced, the US Vice President also met with members of the Montenegrin opposition.

The president of the Civic Movement URA, Dritan Abazović, confirmed to the Mina agency that, in addition to him, the leaders of Democratic Montenegro, Demos, and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Aleksa Bečić, Miodrag Lekić, and Ranko Krivokapić, as well as the vice-president of the Socialist People's Party (SNP), Danijela Pavićević, were present at the meeting with Pence.

Prime Minister of Montenegro Duško Marković

Prime Minister of Montenegro Duško Marković said it was an honor to host distinguished guests in Podgorica.

- This is a great day for my country. We are proud hosts of a major event. Today is also an important day for Macedonia, which presides over the Charter. We are honored to have the US Vice President with us - Marković stated.

Marković recalled that Pence is the highest-ranking US official to visit Montenegro in the history of diplomatic relations between Washington and Podgorica, 'which is a confirmation of the lasting friendship and cooperation between our two countries.'

- This was best demonstrated by the decisive support of the US for the realization of Montenegro's strategic goal, joining NATO, for which we thank you once again. This is also your first visit to the region. Allow me to note that your visit has broader significance – your visit to Europe is proof of the strength and durability of the transatlantic bond, as well as the Euro-Atlantic perspective of the Western Balkans. The engagement and constructive role that the US plays in our region are extremely significant. You have consistently shown this by initiating and actively engaging within the Adriatic Charter, which after 14 years of existence now includes three NATO member states – the Montenegrin Prime Minister conveyed.

He recalled that within the Charter, all countries contribute to regional and global peace and security, adding that he is sure this will continue in the future.

- We are aware of the challenges facing the Alliance, and as a new NATO member, we are ready to make an active contribution to preserving and operating the transatlantic community. The challenges of the 21st century are common, and there are no isolated or simple answers to them.

Montenegro, Marković added, is the newest member of A5 that has also become a member of the Alliance.

- The realization of our strategic goal, membership in NATO, was not an end in itself. Our alliance, with NATO members, many of whom are also EU members, is a natural, historical, and our civilizational choice. Joining NATO is its confirmation, it strengthens our statehood, values, culture, and tradition, and it is a pledge for the future for generations to come - the Montenegrin Prime Minister stated.

Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev

Prime Minister of Macedonia Zoran Zaev said that the Adriatic Charter comprises countries committed to peace.

- We are ready to cooperate to bring the region into the big NATO family. Montenegro's membership is an encouragement, as it has shown that everyone can contribute to collective security and the needs of citizens – Zaev said.

Macedonia, he noted, is waiting to become the 30th member of NATO.

- We have intensified cooperation with countries in the region. We hope this will accelerate our integration into the EU and NATO - the Macedonian Prime Minister said.

Zaev said that Macedonia will be an Alliance partner and will increase its defense budget.

- We are sure that this part of the world is important for global security. We will work hard and show that we deserve membership - he stated.

Denis Zvizdić at a meeting with Pence

Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Denis Zvizdić, addressed the Working Session of Heads of Delegations today.
Chairman Zvizdić said that Bosnia and Herzegovina values every opportunity that allows for further improvement of cooperation among countries in the region. He emphasized that cooperation within the American-Adriatic Charter represents a significant opportunity for exchanging views on vital issues concerning our region and beyond, and for strengthening mutual relations and enhancing cooperation. He highlighted that our country is unequivocally committed to the path of Euro-Atlantic integration, and in this regard, there is no alternative.

Chairman Zvizdić said that BiH advocates for lasting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Western Balkans. He emphasized the commitment to strengthening democratic values, the rule of law, human rights and freedoms, good neighborly relations, and regional cooperation. He informed the heads of delegations present about the progress Bosnia and Herzegovina has made since 2015 in the process of Euro-Atlantic integration. He added that genuine progress has been made in the EU integration process and highlighted that 2016 was one of the most successful years for Bosnia and Herzegovina's European path, resulting in the submission of its application for membership in the European Union.

Chairman Zvizdić said that obtaining candidate status in 2018 for membership in the European Union, as well as the activation of the Membership Action Plan (MAP) for NATO membership, are the only guarantees leading to the much-needed stabilization of both economic and social conditions, and consequently, the improvement of citizens' living standards, attracting investments, enhancing economic growth, and creating new jobs.

He added that Montenegro's admission is proof of the reality of the 'open door' policy and welcomed NATO's readiness to acknowledge the progress made by candidate countries. He emphasized that this is very important for us because the prospect of NATO membership continues to play a key role in the stability not only of Bosnia and Herzegovina but of the entire Western Balkans.

He expressed hope that other A5 members, BiH and Macedonia, will soon have the opportunity to improve their level of relations with the Alliance. He said that NATO's open door policy is particularly important for BiH in today's circumstances, when Bosnia and Herzegovina, like the entire region, is under the strong influence of other interests and powers. Chairman Zvizdić added that there is currently a political consensus in Bosnia and Herzegovina for the activation of the MAP and expressed determination to continue the process of registering immovable military property in order to open a new chapter in relations with the allies as soon as possible.

- BiH has already proven itself as a NATO partner. Although the Tallinn condition for MAP activation has not yet been fully met, cooperation between BiH and NATO remains at a high level. As a partner country, BiH actively participates in a number of joint activities and advocates for the maximum utilization of all instruments and mechanisms available to partner countries. In accordance with its capabilities, BiH participates and contributes to the NATO-led Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan, where 55 members of the Armed Forces of BiH are currently deployed - said Chairman Zvizdić.

In his address, Chairman Zvizdić also spoke about the fight against terrorism and all forms of extremism. He informed the attendees about the measures taken to combat this global scourge through the creation of strategies and action plans to combat terrorism, as well as amendments to the criminal code that penalize the departure of BiH citizens to foreign battlefields. He added that in Bosnia and Herzegovina, no departures to foreign battlefields were recorded in 2017.

He emphasized the commitment and dedication of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina to diligently work on further implementing reforms and fulfilling the set conditions for stabilizing the situation and addressing the needs of the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
At the end of his address, the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina stated that through all the aforementioned activities, BiH confirms its commitment to the values of the Alliance and the European Union, and its dedication to contributing to strengthening regional and global security, adding that in this regard, Bosnia and Herzegovina needs help and continuous support from the Alliance and the European Union.