Nato member states have formally invited Montenegro to join the alliance, drawing a prompt response from Russia that it plans to suspend co-operation with the tiny Adriatic nation.
John Kerry, US secretary of state, insisted Nato was “not a threat to anybody”.
Alliance secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg said the invitation to Montenegro reaffirmed Nato’s “open door” policy toward potential members, including Georgia. He announced the invitation yesterday, the second day of a meeting of Nato foreign ministers. – (PA)