NATO launches ties with Balkan countries

RIGA, Nov 29 (Reuters) NATO offered Serbia, Bosnia and Montenegro the first step on the road to membership of the alliance, and declared that other Balkan countries could expect firm invitations to join in 2008.

''Taking into account the long term stability in the Western Balkans and acknowledging the progress made so far by Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia, we have today invited these countries to join Partnership for Peace,'' leaders declared after a summit in Riga yesterday.

It was a softening of a policy that until now required Serbia and Bosnia to show full cooperation on tracking down war criminals still at large.

The leaders welcomed reform efforts in Albania, Croatia and Macedonia and said those of them that met alliance criteria could expect to receive invitations to join at a 2008 summit.'' REUTERS PDM VV1622