Tramps in front of NATO Summit partners in strong letters to increase funding for protection / Article / LSM.LV



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US President Donald Tramps sent letters to leaders in several NATO member states demanding an increase in defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product (GDP). In the event that these commitments are not respected, the global military presence of the United States could be reduced. Some politicians and experts have already called these letters a threat to the Allies ahead of next week's NATO summit.

The next NATO summit will take place next week in Brussels, during which transatlantic cooperation between Member States and a common struggle against today's security challenges will be one of the central issues. However, for some time

the Allies have alarmed the message that the summit might address to the President of the United States, Donald Tramps, who previously criticized several NATO members

including the United States. Germany for insufficient funding for security. Tramps said last month after meeting North Korean leader Kimu Chenun:

"I have a very good relationship with Angela Merkel, but with respect to NATO … We pay 4 2%, it pays 1% of the gross domestic product, which is much smaller than ours, anyone can say that we are paying 60% to 90% of the NATO budget, and we are protecting European countries, but in addition they are turning to us in terms of trade.This can not continue.One knows now that on the eve of the NATO Summit, the leaders of several countries of the NATO, including Germany, Belgium, Norway and Canada, have received Tramp letters, which are very strictly requested to enhance security and protection against the 2% gross domestic product defined by the NATO, if not, given the decline of the world military presence in the United States.

Diplomatic sources say q The letters of 19 June are similar, but in a letter to German Chancellor Angela Merkel

Here is a quote from this letter, the text of which was published by the New York Times:

"As we have discussed during your visit in April, dissatisfaction with the fact that some allies do not keep their promises in the United States and not pal adds expenses to the defense. The long-term understanding of the protection threatens the security of the Alliance and justifies the reluctance of other Allies to fulfill their financial obligations because they see you as a role model. "

A similar letter was received by Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg, at which time the prime minister stressed that Norway's per capita defense spending was second only to the United States. The letter also welcomes Norway's role in the deployment of multinational forces in Lithuania, as well as the admission of 350 US troops to Norway, but at the same time it is noted that Norway is the only member state in Norway. NATO that has a border with Russia and has no clear plan to increase defense funding to 2% of GDP required Donald Tramps said that he understood domestic political pressure on such an increase in funding, but at the top of next week, he wants to see concrete plans to fulfill his obligations.

As ex-CNR was quoted by the former foreign minister Knut Vollebe Norway is vulnerable and depends on US aid. Vollebex points out that Norway is very aware of this, but the words of the US president lead us to wonder if the United States would come to Norway if necessary. Norwegian Defense Minister Frank Bakke Jensen called for the letter not to go away, as despite Trampa's threat, Norway continues to make progress in honoring its commitments. To reach 2% by 2024, the current defense funding needs to be increased by about 30%, and it is important to understand exactly what the additional funds will guarantee. According to the minister, more funding does not always guarantee better protection. Recalling the US president's attitude towards the G7 leaders at the Canadian summit, some experts already believe that, to protest against insufficient funding in other member states, Tramps could leave the summit from NATO to Brussels. But Vollebex, along with 20 other former foreign ministers, including former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, is currently working on a letter that will be sent to Tramp himself and the US Congress. According to Vollebean, in this difficult and precarious situation in which the world is now in the world, it is important to be convinced that the United States' commitment to the Allies is never questioned .

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