NATO representatives refuse to answer the question whether Greece undermines one of the EU and NATO pillars - solidarity - by using a veto for Macedonia's accession in one of these organisations, MIA reports from Brussels.

Asked to comment why Greek political leaders cannot form a government and extend the IMF austerity agreement to save the country from default, but are unanimous to obstruct Macedonia in its Euro-Atlantic integration bid, NATO spokeswoman Simone De Manso responded:

"I'll refer to what the heads of state and government have announced in their declaration at the summit in Chicago - 'We reiterate the agreement at our 2008 Bucharest Summit, as we did at subsequent Summits, to extend an invitation to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to join the Alliance as soon as a mutually acceptable solution to the name issue has been reached within the framework of the UN, and strongly urge intensified efforts towards that end. An early solution, and subsequent membership, will contribute to security and stability in the region. We encourage the negotiations to be pursued without any delay and expect them to be concluded as soon as possible. We welcome, and continue to support, the ongoing reform efforts in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and encourage continued implementation. We also encourage its efforts to further build a multi-ethnic society," De Manso said.

NATO appreciated Macedonia's contribution to its missions as well as country's active role in activities aimed at regional cooperation, according to the spokeswoman.

"We appreciate the long-running commitment of Macedonia to the NATO accession process," she noted.

Asked how international law is regarded by NATO given the judgement of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that Greece cannot hinder Macedonia's Euro-Atlantic integration, even though the same has happened at the Chicago summit and NATO failed to react, De Manso responded:

"NATO's position isn't changed. The NATO chief in December 2011 stated that the ICJ judgement was in connection to the Macedonia-Greece issue. The ruling has no effect over the decision reached by NATO at the summit in 2008."