Reuters AlertNet Lite - NATO launches ties with Balkan countries

Reuters AlertNet Full site

NEWSDESK

NATO launches ties with Balkan countries

29 Nov 2006 10:21:56 GMT
Source: Reuters

RIGA, Nov 29 (Reuters) - NATO on Tuesday offered Serbia, Bosnia and Montenegro the first step on the road to membership of the alliance, and declared that other Balkan countries could expect firm invitations to join in 2008.

"Taking into account the long term stability in the Western Balkans and acknowledging the progress made so far by Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia, we have today invited these countries to join Partnership for Peace," leaders declared after a summit in Riga.

It was a softening of a policy that until now required Serbia and Bosnia to show full cooperation on tracking down war criminals still at large.

The leaders welcomed reform efforts in Albania, Croatia and Macedonia and said those of them that met alliance criteria could expect to receive invitations to join at a 2008 summit."

AlertNet news is provided by

Email this article Send comments

Countries

Small country map
© 2004 Europa Technologies Ltd.

Reset map

• Bosnia-Herzegovina profile
· View map

• Serbia profile
· View map

MORE >>

NGO latest

• Apply to Mercy Corps M&E Consultant Roster
Mercy Corps

• From the Executive Director's Desk... In the Fight to end Malaria Broken Promises Create Suffering Children
CWS

• New HIV and AIDS Resource Section Launched on ADRA Web Site
ADRA - International

• Lords Set to Support Cluster Munitions Ban
Landmine Action - UK

• Islamic Relief and WFP Sign Major Agreement for Cooperation
Islamic Relief - USA

MORE >>

Latest news

• Congress mulls opposing troop rise in Iraq

• In US troop debate, rhetoric escalates...or surges

• (OFFICIAL)-Train in Massachusetts hits truck, kills two

• U.S. soldier enters plea in Iraq prisoner shooting

• Nicaragua won't be next Venezuela - Ortega aide

MORE >>

Last updated:Tue Jan 9 22:10:30 2007