Lavrov: Montenegrins have not forgotten NATO bombs

Lavrov: Montenegrins have not forgotten NATO bombs

When the interviewer said that "some of Russia's closest foreign policy partners are NATO members" and asked "why Russia reacted so nervously to the desire of Montenegro to join the alliance," Lavrov stated that Moscow did not respond to the desire of Montenegro and that that he would not characterize this reaction as "nervous."

"We were convinced, as all those who conceived it, that this was an artificial decision. No security will be added to NATO members. The explanation that the Montenegrin people want this breaks down against this argument: if if this is so, then why not hold a referendum," said Lavrov.

He then noted that Podgorica "categorically does not want a referendum."

"They know that most likely the people whom NATO bombarded a couple of decades ago have not forgotten it, and that will be difficult to accept with enthusiasm the idea of their leadership to forget many things by joining NATO," Lavrov said.

He accused the western military alliance of manipulating small countries, telling them that they would be guaranteed safety if they join. The minister added there was a push to promote "the Russian threat - an artificial, needless fear" - based on which the alliance is trying to gain geopolitical space ever closer to Russia's borders.

"It's not about Montenegro. It's about NATO's attitude toward the development of relations not only with Russia, but also in ensuring global security. NATO is responsible for its own territory, and as it was written in the Washington Agreement, provides collective defense. Well in that case, sit within your borders, and no one will touch you," said Lavrov.