In a time when US has repeatedly signaled that Russia is trying to destabilize the Balkans to exert its influence in the region, stability and security in the West Balkans countries were discussed during the NATO annual conference held in Tirana.
Although the climate between NATO and Russia remains in a lack of confidence, the head of the Military Committee, General Petr Pavel, told the Associated Press that problems in the region could come from many factors including “bad Russian influence”.
He stressed that NATO is not in competition with Russia for influence in the Balkans, stressing that the Alliance remains committed to maintaining stability in the region.
“We do not compete with Russia for the Western Balkans. We are primarily focused on a stable and secure Balkans.”
Also, Russia remains attentive to developments in the region. Russian Ambassador to Tirana Aleksander Karpushin expressed concern especially about Albania and Montenegro, two Balkan NATO member countries that have joined the EU embargo against Russia. Speaking in an interview for ABC News, he said the Tirana embargo is causing damage to the country itself.
Alexander Karpushin Ambassador of Russia to Albania:
“Based on reciprocity, our country has been obliged to impose measures prohibiting the import of almost all agricultural products to Russia. The example of these countries speaks for one thing only, for their willingness to sacrifice the interests of citizens in return for an uncertain benefit. No one intends to guarantee them a safe integration into the European Union.”
Washington has repeatedly expressed concern over what it considers as the soft Russian invasion in the Balkans. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State emphasized this in Tirana./tvklan.al
