For one more time, US President Donal Trump has praised Greece for its NATO spending. This time, Trump added another six European countries.
“I want to thank the 7 NATO nations, in addition to US, who meet their 2% NATO defense spending. Poland, Romania, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Greece, UK., he said They are right up to snuff. They paid. They were on time. They were on time, they paid the number that they’re supposed to be paying. We have some that don’t — and, well, they’ll be dealt with.”
President Trump singled out Germany saying it “has not contributed what it should be contributing and it’s a very big beneficiary.”
“In particular Germany must demonstrate leadership in the alliance by addressing its longstanding shortfall in defense contributions,” Trump said.
Despite often disagreeing with Trump in other areas, German Chancellor Angela Merkel agrees that Germany should contribute more and wants her country to boost military spending to meet the NATO target of 2 percent. She told senior military officers on Monday more spending is needed in light of changing security requirements in the world.
Trump made these statements during a meeting with NATO General Secretary, Jens Stoltenberg, in Washington.
“Your leadership on defense spending has really helped to make a difference” Stoltenberg said adding “It is impacting allies because now all allies are increasing defense spending. No allies are cutting their budgets.”
PS It is not the first time the US administration has praised debt-ridden Greece for paying its share to NATO. President Obama did it and so did Trump and Secretary of State Mattis. And? what do Greeks get in return?
Greece gets higher taxes, lower pensions, precarious health care, poorer education, everything privatized for the profits of big business, etc.; all the advantages of being a member of NATO and the EU. Good luck.
As far as Merkel is concerned, has there ever been a more subservient poodle to Washington than this woman? She makes even Canada and Mexico look rebellious and independent.
Mattis is Secretary of Defense
yes.hat did I write? of state?
“And? what do Greeks get in return?” *crickets*
An equalization of blame when geo-strategic Turkey trespasses after its illegal invasion and occupation. Told to work things out diplomatically (as Turkey now holds 2 Greek soldiers)
Like praise for financial sacrifices imposed by an old foe dictating European policy, its only words… What did you expect, something tangible?
Never mind endless ancient contributions. Greece’s more recent gallantry in world war or Korea has also been so easily forgotten or shamelessly neglected. Will they return our marbles or try to steal its history and money from the North and lands from the East? In 2018 they smashed their Shops in Toronto…
This is how a barbaric planet who hanged nergoes, burned witches, and held holocausts respect the lessons of civility and democracy that kindred Greeks taught them.
What do Greeks get in return? …heh, you’re must be kidding, right?
Trump praises Greece but rewards Germany, who have stolen defence resources from their allies (this is what “not paying your share” means), by happily going along with the Teutonic devastation of the Greek economy and society.