The world can no longer take for granted the US desire for world leadership, and it should change its priorities accordingly. In an interview with The Guardian and five other European media, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said.
«We grew up with a certain understanding that the United States wants to be a world power. If the United States now wants to give up its role of its own free will, then we should think carefully about it.“, She emphasized.
Ever since the reign of Barack Obama, the US has criticized Germany for its low defense spending. Criticism escalated under President Donald Trump, who even announced his intention to withdraw from this country 9.5 thousand US troops.
Commenting on this White House initiative, Merkel said that America’s military presence in Central Europe is in the interests of the United States itself.
«US military helps protect not only Germany and the European part of NATO, but also defend the interests of the United States of America“, She emphasized.
Touching on the topic of defense spending, Merkel said: “We in Germany know that we must spend more on defense. In recent years, we have achieved significant increases, and we will continue to move along the path of building up our military capabilities.».
Meanwhile, as the publication notes, the appeal of the German Chancellor “think deeply“Over the US role does not mean supporting what French President Emmanuel Macron calls”strategic autonomy“, Which means the ability to protect the continent, without relying on the United States.
«Look at the world; look at China or India“Said Merkel. – There are good reasons to remain committed to the transatlantic defense community and our common nuclear umbrella. But, of course, Europe needs to bear more burdens than during the Cold War.».
When asked about a possible underestimation by Germany of the threat posed by Russia, Merkel said that Moscow “Behaves belligerently”referring to “misinformation campaigns»And to murder«Chechen exile»Zelimkhan Khangoshvili in Berlin. German prosecutors accuse Moscow of involvement in this crime, reminds The Guardian.
«The murder in the Tiergarten park in Berlin is a serious incident, the blame for it, obviously, is now being established in court– emphasized Merkel. – In any case, we recognize that hybrid warfare and methods of destabilization are an example of Russia’s behavior. On the other hand, there are good reasons to continue a constructive dialogue with Russia. In countries such as Syria and Libya, which are in close proximity to Europe, Russia’s strategic influence is great. Therefore, I will continue to seek cooperation.».
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