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Macedonia carefully watching military pact between Serbia and Russia
Recently Russia and Serbian signed an agreement in which the Balkan nation received an "Observer" status in the CSTO military alliance.
Moscow's extended hand was accepted by Belgrade. Observer status is the last step before a nation becomes full member.
Russia sits at the top of the CSTO, in similar way as the US sits on top of NATO.
CSTO so far encompasses nations from the old soviet block who saw NATO as a threat since the western military alliance continues to exist despite the end of the cold war and the Warsaw Pact.
Current members of the CSTO are Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, while observers are Serbia, and somewhat surprisingly Afghanistan who despite having massive NATO presence, the Government in Kabul decided to become an observer with the CSTO. That says something about what NATO has done to the country.
Croatian media scolded the move, with Zagreb based "Jutarnji List" commenting 'Serbia became part of the Warsaw Pact'.
Belgrade based "Kurir" appeared thrilled at the news, claiming the Russians will now deploy their anti-rocket shield in Serbia.
Macedonian analysts believe the move was wise by the Serbs, as they will gain wide open access to both Eastern and Western markets, at the same time securing their military alliance.
Military strategist (B. Markovski ret.) says Moscow will cement their position in the Balkans and remove as many countries from NATO's bear hug as they can.
Although ideologically Macedonia ought to be with NATO, the country must be very careful and observe what is happening in the region and look at alternative solutions in order to secure its safety and join a military alliance.
- It seems that Belgrade, although persistent in declaring its military neutrality, is seriously considering entering a military alliance.
On the other hand, Macedonia in case of such scenario must quickly enter a military alliance without any issues created by Greece with the name dispute - says Markovski.
He explains that Serbia will de facto become the carrier of Russian economical and military interests in the wider region, and Macedonia should absolutely know its place in all this.
- I don't see drastic change from dominant US to dominant Russian influence in this region, however the latest transformations will certainly have an impact on the region and Macedonia - explains Markovski.
- As a country me must keep all options open. We are witnessing an ongoing, 20 years of torture with our EU and NATO integration, where NATO agrees with Greece that we must change our name to become a 'member'. We ought to review whether it's in our best interest to go in NATO or look at the alternatives - concluded Markovski.
izvor: http://macedoniaonline.eu/content/view/23158/1/
Recently Russia and Serbian signed an agreement in which the Balkan nation received an "Observer" status in the CSTO military alliance.
Moscow's extended hand was accepted by Belgrade. Observer status is the last step before a nation becomes full member.
Russia sits at the top of the CSTO, in similar way as the US sits on top of NATO.
CSTO so far encompasses nations from the old soviet block who saw NATO as a threat since the western military alliance continues to exist despite the end of the cold war and the Warsaw Pact.
Current members of the CSTO are Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, while observers are Serbia, and somewhat surprisingly Afghanistan who despite having massive NATO presence, the Government in Kabul decided to become an observer with the CSTO. That says something about what NATO has done to the country.
Croatian media scolded the move, with Zagreb based "Jutarnji List" commenting 'Serbia became part of the Warsaw Pact'.
Belgrade based "Kurir" appeared thrilled at the news, claiming the Russians will now deploy their anti-rocket shield in Serbia.
Macedonian analysts believe the move was wise by the Serbs, as they will gain wide open access to both Eastern and Western markets, at the same time securing their military alliance.
Military strategist (B. Markovski ret.) says Moscow will cement their position in the Balkans and remove as many countries from NATO's bear hug as they can.
Although ideologically Macedonia ought to be with NATO, the country must be very careful and observe what is happening in the region and look at alternative solutions in order to secure its safety and join a military alliance.
- It seems that Belgrade, although persistent in declaring its military neutrality, is seriously considering entering a military alliance.
On the other hand, Macedonia in case of such scenario must quickly enter a military alliance without any issues created by Greece with the name dispute - says Markovski.
He explains that Serbia will de facto become the carrier of Russian economical and military interests in the wider region, and Macedonia should absolutely know its place in all this.
- I don't see drastic change from dominant US to dominant Russian influence in this region, however the latest transformations will certainly have an impact on the region and Macedonia - explains Markovski.
- As a country me must keep all options open. We are witnessing an ongoing, 20 years of torture with our EU and NATO integration, where NATO agrees with Greece that we must change our name to become a 'member'. We ought to review whether it's in our best interest to go in NATO or look at the alternatives - concluded Markovski.
izvor: http://macedoniaonline.eu/content/view/23158/1/
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