Greece delayed NATO membership

This is the last cable added to the long list of Wikileaks, published on 14 January 2009 and signed by the former US vice Ambassador in Albania, Mr. Christina.

The diplomatic document was written a few months before what would be considered as an historical event for Albania, the NATO membership on 1 April 2009.

For the membership to happen, NATO member countries had to ratify it first.

In a communication between Christina and the NATO Director at the Albanian Foreign Ministry, the latter underlines his concern for three states: Greece, France and Belgium.

The delays of Paris and Brussels were considered by the Albanian diplomat as bureaucratic. In his comment for the latest developments for Albania’s NATO membership, Christina writes:

“Fagu related that the GOA is most concerned about Greece.  First and most importantly, the current political instability there may sideline progress on NATO ratification and delay it past the April NATO Summit.  Second, Greece has historically used such negotiations to squeeze more concessions out of Albania (such as on cemeteries for Greek soldiers in Albania and demarcation of bilateral maritime borders).”

However, continues Christina, However, Fagu believes that after obstructing Macedonia’s NATO accession last year, Greece will not want to risk more negative press on smaller issues with Albania.

In a noted within this comment, Christina explains: “Greece and Albania have reached agreement on the cemetery issue, largely making this a non-issue in terms of NATO ratification.  However, the border demarcation issue remains outstanding.”

The cable also publishes the list of the countries that had already deposed the ratification. Six countries had deposed it, 11 others had ratified it, and nine others that had not made an official ratification.

The concern of the Albanian Government is especially referred to Greece.

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