The Macedonian parliament on Thursday unanimously adopted a declaration supporting the country’s membership in NATO.

The media in Skopje quoted both ruling majority and opposition MPs who said membership in the Alliance is good for the country.  

MP Hari Lokvenec of the ruling Social Democrat Alliance (SDSM) said Macedonia’s membership in NATO would bring security and stability, adding that the biggest benefits are economic rather than military. “The experience of south-east European countries shows that membership in NATO brings more foreign investments,” he said.  

MP Dragan Danev of the opposition VMRO-DPMNE said his party supports the declaration on NATO membership. “Membership in the Alliance brings benefits, as well as major obligations,” he said.

NATO invited Macedonia to join the Alliance after Skopje and Athens signed an agreement resolving the dispute over the name of that former Yugoslav republic.

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