The assurance that European countries “got the message” from US President Donald Trump and are now ensuring that agreements on the use of military bases are implemented, the Secretary General expressed today
Trump has accused some NATO countries of not doing enough to support the United States in its war on Iran. In a further sign of its displeasure with European allies, the US on Friday announced plans to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany.
“Yes, there was some disappointment on the US side, but the Europeans listened,” Rutte told reporters at the European Political Community summit in Armenia.
“They are now ensuring that all bilateral agreements on the bases are implemented,” he said.
Spain, a member of NATO, has declared that military bases on its territory cannot be used for war with Iran. But Rutte said other NATO countries, including Montenegro, Croatia, Romania, Portugal, Greece, Italy, Britain, France and Germany, are responding to requests for the use of bases and other logistical support.
Rutte also said that “more and more” European countries are pre-positioning assets such as minelayers near the Gulf to be ready for a “next phase”.
Several European countries have said they are willing to join a mission to ensure freedom of navigation through the Straits of Hormuz once the war ends.
Source: cnn.gr