US Senator: Our message to Latvia is that trust in NATO is strong and that it will continue

Is there any reason to fear that the interests of Latvia could be sacrificed in these talks? On this and tensions in US-European relations, LNT News interviewed US Senator Jeff Fleik, who came to visit Latvia. Blake is a member of Donald Trampa's party, but has sometimes criticized the actions of the American president.

LNT: Senator, your visit to Latvia is taking place in a difficult period where uncertainty reigns over the future of relations between the United States and the European Union. The introduction of new tariffs looks like a trade war, President Tramps said at the same time as the European Union was created to use the United States with his help. At the same time, there are rumors that the United States could withdraw its troops from Germany. Is the US-European alliance at risk?

Polar: There will be a lot to say, but these statements will be clarified later. There is support for all parties involved, both parties to the NATO Alliance and our commitment to do so. Our delegation includes Republicans and Democrats, as well as members of the House of Representatives and the Senate. And our message to Latvia is that we are here and that our confidence in NATO is strong, it will continue. And the same goes for the European Union. We have excellent relations with them, and they will continue, even if there is a problem one on the other. I mean something is sometimes said, but later it is clarified.

LNT: From the outside, it seems like the US Congress wants everything to stay old, but the Tramp administration has its own ideas on how things should be going. And the result is something in between. What is your badessment of the interior, how common and clear is US foreign policy at the moment?

Polar: In foreign policy, the US Constitution confers power on the Congress and the President. The president sets the agenda, but Congress provides funds. So, the role is both, sometimes this power balances, as you have said. But at the same time, there is a strong commitment to the NATO alliance and a strong commitment to free trade and international rules. This is especially true of Congress. Sometimes we have disagreements with the ruling administration – both if it is the Republican administration and the Democrat. These relationships with our allies have been beneficial for all of us in the long term, and we will need them in the future. I think we are all aware of it.

LNT: Are you sure the President of the United States is aware of this?

Polar: The President and his administration expressed strong support for NATO. Sometimes something has been said, which is clarified later. But I'm sure this relationship will continue, and my colleagues also think the same way.

LNT: This month's President, Tramps went to Putin in Helsinki. In the Baltic region, this meeting is a matter of concern and some people fear that our interests may be put on the table. Are these fears justified?

Flea: There must be clarity about who our allies are and what our opponents are. And in the past, our opponent was the Soviet Union, and Russia is today. It has manifested in many areas, especially in our recent elections and in many elections around the world, Russia played a negative role. I hope that our President will speak with Mr. Putin. Of course, the annexation of Crimea is something that can not be reconciled, this has been our position all the time. And the Congress sanctioned Russia for this annexation. These sanctions continue, our president must respect these sanctions, because that is the law.

LNT: When we look at Tramp's rhetoric, we have heard favorable words about Russia and Putin. However, on the other hand, the Tramp administration recently approved a plan to deliver deadly weapons to Ukraine, and military support will only increase in the Baltic region . How do you explain this gap between words and actions?

Flea: I myself criticized the president's statements. I believe that he should be more careful when evaluating what to deliver. At the same time, in my opinion, activities are more important than words. I would say – look over the works. And Congress has defended more military support for Ukraine, and it has been implemented.

LNT: You said that America's policy could have reached its lowest point possible. Are you planning to challenge the tramp and run for president in 2020?

Polar: I will leave these questions later, I have six months in the Senate, there is still much to do

Interview with Jeff Fleick