Donald Trump with his comments on the protection of other NATO countries caused a stir, both among allies of the United States within the Republican Party.
In an interview with The New York Times Trump drew the main principle of NATO - that Member States protect each other at all times when they are attacked - in doubt. The presidential candidate believes the US should only protect countries' also fulfill their obligations to us. " That he was referring for example to the appointment to spend at least 2 percent of gross domestic product on defense. Many countries, including the Netherlands, spend less money on their militaries.
Defense Secretary Michael Fallon NATO ally Britain said in response to the interview that protecting others is "an absolute obligation.
"Such statements make the world more dangerous and the US less safe," said Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a member of Trump's own party. According to him, especially the Russian President Vladimir Putin are happy.
Solidarity
The US Secretary of State John Kerry felt himself called to respond. "This government is just like any other Republican and Democratic governments fully committed since 1949 to the NATO alliance and our security obligations under Article 5," he said. In that article, the agreement to protect each other.
NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said in a reaction not to want to interfere in the American election, but stressed that the solidarity between NATO allies is very important. "That's good for the European and American security. The United States has always stood beside its European allies. "
'Fair share'
Trump's anti-NATO sentiments are not new. He said at a campaign rally in Racine (Wisconsin) in April this year that NATO allies of the United States failure to pay "their fair share" of the cost. "Whether they pay yet, or they have to leave," the real estate magnate. "If NATO thereby falls apart, then NATO is but apart."
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