The resolution over Macedonia's NATO accession, submitted by U.S. Congresswoman Candice Miller, has been supported by 11 other congressmen, urging the White House and the State Department to promote the country's Alliance membership at the UK summit in September.
"We greatly appreciate the efforts of Macedonia in its commitment and participation with the United States and other countries in advancing peace, democracy, stability, and mutual understanding. We urge the Administration and the United States Department of State to continue to work closely with Macedonia and to support NATO enlargement by granting full membership to Macedonia. We call on the Administration and United States Department of State to work with Greece and NATO allies to ensure that bilateral disputes do not impede Macedonia's NATO accession for the sake of regional stability in light of the current situation with Ukraine. We urge NATO members to formally extend an invitation to Macedonia to join NATO at the NATO Summit in the United Kingdom in September 2014", reads the resolution.
The document is supported by congressmen Eddie Johnson, Steve Stivers, Madeleine Bordallo, Bennie Thompson, Bill Pascrell, Adam Kinzinger, Michael Turner, Alcee Hastings, Gerald Connolly, Christopher Smith, and Kerry Bentivolio.
Meanwhile, former NATO Secretary-General George Robertson has said Macedonia is prepared for Alliance membership and should get the invitation.
"I have said on many occasions Macedonia is qualified for NATO membership. I hope reason will prevail and the name row will be overcome", said Roberston.
He voiced restraint over the question whether the Ukraine crisis would cause a more serious approach towards enlargement.
"I believe that enlargement will eventually be part of NATO's agenda, but it must apply to countries contributing to security, not only ones benefiting from security", added Roberston.
