[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 105 (Wednesday, June 29, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4750-S4751]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      REMOVAL OF INJUNCTION OF SECRECY--TREATY DOCUMENT NO. 114-12

  On Tuesday, June 28, 2016, the injunction of secrecy was removed from 
the following treaty transmitted to the Senate on June 28, 2016, by the 
President of the United States: Protocol to the North Atlantic Treaty 
of 1949 on the Accession of Montenegro, Treaty Document No. 114-12.
  The message of the President ordered to be printed is as follows:

To the Senate of the United States:
  I transmit herewith, for Senate advice and consent to ratification, 
the Protocol to the North Atlantic Treaty of 1949 on the Accession of 
Montenegro. This Protocol was signed in Brussels on May 19, 2016, on 
behalf of the United States and the other Parties to the North Atlantic 
Treaty. Also transmitted for the information of the Senate is an 
overview of the Protocol by the Department of State. Full ratification 
of the Protocol by the United States and our allies will allow 
Montenegro to become a Party to the North

[[Page S4751]]

Atlantic Treaty and a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization 
(NATO).
  Article 10 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which outlines NATO's Open 
Door policy, is part of the doctrinal foundation of the Alliance. 
Montenegro's accession to NATO will demonstrate to other countries in 
the Balkans and beyond that NATO's door remains open to nations that 
undertake the reforms necessary to meet NATO's requirements and 
contribute to the security of the Alliance, and is yet another 
milestone in advancing the EuroAtlantic integration of the Balkans. I 
am pleased that, with the advice and consent of the Senate, and the 
ratifications of this Protocol by our NATO allies, Montenegro can soon 
join us as a member of this great Alliance.
  I ask the Senate to continue working with me in advancing a Europe 
whole, free, and at peace by providing its prompt advice and consent to 
ratification for this Protocol of Accession. My Administration stands 
ready to brief and assist you in your deliberations.
                                                        Barack Obama.  
The White House, June 28, 2016.

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