The Czech president is harsh on Trump's demands. “Contrary to NATO's mission”

Czech President Petr Pavel said on Wednesday that the United States' demand for other NATO countries to get involved in the conflict in the Middle East is contrary to the mission of the alliance, and the US withdrawal would be a serious test for the remaining members.

– First of all, it is important to understand that NATO was created as a defense alliance whose primary mission is the collective defense of the territories of member states. The United States is not under attack and Iran is not a member of the alliance. Therefore, calling on NATO to engage in a conflict in the Middle East is inconsistent with the reasons and principles on which NATO was founded, Pavel told reporters.

According to the Czech president, if any member of the alliance considered withdrawing, the others would have to consider what measures to take to maintain the principle of collective defense.

– I am convinced that the alliance makes sense not only for European countries, but also for Canada and the United States. If any member were to withdraw, the alliance could still function, although it would require significant effort on the part of all, Pavel said.

US President Donald Trump, in an interview with the British daily “Daily Telegraph” published on Wednesday, again criticized European allies for their lack of support for the US-Israeli military operation against Iran, called NATO a “paper tiger” and said that he was seriously considering the US withdrawal from the alliance. He later repeated his intention to consider withdrawing the country from NATO in an interview with Reuters. (PAP)

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