WASHINGTON, D.C. – United States Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said he would travel to Macedonia ahead of a crucial referendum on changing the country’s name, and he voiced concern about possible Russian “mischief” in the run-up to the vote.
Mattis told reporters on Sept. 11 that the visit will occur this weekend and is aimed at supporting the Macedonian voters in the Sept. 30 referendum. If the referendum passes, it would help pave the way for membership in NATO and the European Union.
