Palmer: Russia cannot decide about Macedonia’s integration in NATO

During his visit of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the US Deputy Assistant Secretary for Europe and Eurasia Mathew Palmer said that Macedonia can become a NATO member by mid-2020 if the Prespa Agreement is implemented. “Macedonia can become a NATO member in 18 months, and that goal is quite achievable. However, we are deeply concerned of the influence of Russia over the Balkans, and their attempts to sabotage the efforts of the Macedonian government for NATO membership. It is not up to Russia to decide what Macedonia can or cannot do, and their influence is putting at risk the peace and stability in the Balkans,” Palmer said.