Macedonia’s NATO bid advances

BRUSSELS — NATO has invited Macedonia to begin membership negotiations, a step toward adding its 30th member despite Russia’s objection.

Macedonia was given a pathway to membership on condition that it iron out its yearslong standoff with Greece over the Macedonia name, a process that took a big step forward with the countries’ deal last month that would rename the country North Macedonia.

Macedonian voters and the Greek parliament still must sign off on the deal, which also could dissipate any Greek objections to the Macedonian government’s ambition to join the European Union.

“Once all national procedures have been completed to finalize the name agreement, the country will join NATO as our 30th member,” NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said. “It cannot become a member if it doesn’t change its name. That’s in a way the simple choice, and that’s up to the people.”

Russia, NATO’s most prominent rival, has bemoaned the possible addition of another alliance member. Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev hailed the invitation but noted the objections from Moscow.

“Very obviously, they are against our integration in NATO,” he said during a panel talk on the sidelines of the summit. Zaev alleged that “some activities” by Russia had attempted to thwart the deal, but he did not elaborate.

The overture toward expansion came at a summit where President Donald Trump has increased his pressure on allies to shoulder a bigger share of defense spending.

Instead of increasing spending, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his country will lead NATO’s new military training mission in Iraq, with up to 250 troops.