NATO has more important priorities than Balkan enlargement – U.S. expert

Washington – NATO currently has more important priorities than the Balkan enlargement, said Monday Anthony Cordesman, leading military analyst from the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Asked about the NATO membership perspectives of Macedonia, Serbia, B&H and Montenegro, Cordesman said the Alliance is dealing with new candidates at the moment and faces serious tensions with Russia, adding it should focus on creating a more effective approach towards enlargement.

“This does not exclude the accession of these countries, but NATO currently has more important priorities”, stressed the U.S. expert.

Cordesman added that the NATO’s April summit in Strasbourg and Kehl would not result in important decisions. The Alliance will dedicate its attention to existing membership problems, Afghanistan and Balkan developments, as well as the influence of the global economic crisis on its military programs.