Macedonia and NATO are committed to the country's accession in the largest military-political organization in the world, and if it weren't for the Greece's veto it would have been part of the Alliance long time ago. This is a conclusion of Wednesday's meeting between Macedonia's Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, MIA correspondent reports from Brussels.

Gruevski said that at today's meeting, also attended by the Foreign and Defense Ministers, Nikola Popovski and Zoran Jolevski respectively, he and Stoltenberg emphasized the significance of keeping the NATO open door policy alive. They also shared opinions about Macedonia's progress towards NATO membership, as well as several political-security issues of mutual interest.

In this respect Gruevski said he notified Macedonia's achievements, commitment to reforms in defense, economy, judiciary, administration and other spheres.

"We have also discussed about our expectations and hopes for the key issue that has been preventing Macedonia to join NATO since 2008 to be settled along with these activities,' Gruevski told a joint press conference with Stoltenberg.

The meeting also addressed the current political developments in Macedonia, Gruevski said, pointing out that everything which is within the Government's competencies would be done in the most transparent manner and in line with the law.

Macedonia will resume its dialogue with NATO, Gruevski said. However, although Macedonia is an active participant in the Alliance-led missions as if it is its member, the country still doesn't enjoy the benefits of such status, he added.

"We share a vision of Euro-Atlantic integration, and we are committed to supporting you on your path towards NATO membership," Stoltenberg said.

Calling Macedonia "an important partner for the Alliance" and "a security provider", Stoltenberg thanked Gruevski for his country's contribution to NATO's 'Resolute Support' mission in Afghanistan, and for supporting NATO's KFOR operation in Kosovo with lines of communication. Stoltenberg also commended the country's progress in reforming its defense sector.

The Alliance, he said, has been following the recent political developments in Macedonia with concern.

"Progress on reforms depends on effective democratic dialogue, widespread confidence in the rule of law and freedom of media," he said, adding, "we count on you to ensure that they are fully respected," Stoltenberg encouraged all political forces in Skopje to act responsibly, and to focus on the reforms necessary for progress on the country's Euro-Atlantic agenda.

Asked to comment the developments related to publishing of wiretapped materials by opposition leader Zoran Zaev and accusations that they were made with an assistance and for the interests of foreign intelligence services, Gruevski said he explained in details the situation in Macedonia to NATO Secretary General.

"I've explained everything, starting from what was presented to me at the talks with the opposition leader, findings of the Ministry of Interior and Public Prosecutor's Office, including the court ruling that already exists, as well as confessions of certain people within court procedures about the illegal acts they have done abusing their duty and thus violating the laws of the Republic of Macedonia. Everything else will be a part of the further court procedure, which as I said in Macedonia, and I say now will be clear, transparent, and we are open for any monitoring in that part and everything that is going to happen," Gruevski said.

Stoltenberg declined to comment the allegations about possible involvement of foreign intelligence service, but underlined the importance of the freedom of press and allowing the opposition to have good working conditions.

He called for independent, thorough investigation into the allegations, which have been put forward, and for those who were responsible to be held accountable.

Asked if Macedonia should join NATO seven years after the Bucharest Summit, Stoltenberg reiterated the Alliance's support of the country's road towards the membership status.

"We reiterated this position at the last year Summit in Wales, where we also reiterated that a mutually acceptable solution to the name issue must be reached before Macedonia could join NATO. So, we strongly urge for the efforts to that end to be intensified, but as you know NATO is a consensus-based organization, so we need the consensus of 28 allies to be able to reach an agreement within the Alliance," Stoltenberg said.

Gruevski on his part reaffirmed Macedonia's firm commitment to the Euro-Atlantic integration despite all obstacles on the road to that effect.