In the DW-exclusive interview with NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg explained under what conditions he would welcome European defence efforts – and how a renewed nuclear arms race can be prevented.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg
DW: Mr. Secretary-General, there is a discussion, initiated by France, whether Europe should build its own army. What’s behind it? Europeans no longer believe that the United States take their obligation in relation to NATO seriously?
Jens Stoltenberg: I think that we have get from the two world and the Cold war learned the importance of the transatlantic relationship. So, we need to ensure that Europe and North America. I welcome a stronger defence efforts of the EU, because I think that the defence force is strengthened in Europe and the possibility for new defense investment. I would welcome it but, if the NATO effort twice. The European defence plans is in the NATO framework and the European pillar of NATO strengths. As long as you do that, I applaud the European efforts in the defence.
The United States have announced, from the INF Treaty, the agreement on nuclear systems with Russia distance, to withdraw. What needs to happen now in order to prevent a renewed nuclear arms race?
Russia must ensure that it adheres exactly to the INF Treaty. All NATO members are agreed that the new Russian missile system is a big reason to worry. This System endangers the INF Treaty. The new Russian missiles are mobile, difficult to capture, and nuclear capable. Lower the inhibition threshold when it comes to the use of nuclear weapons in a conflict, and you can reach European cities, including Berlin. Therefore, the NATO countries have for years been very worried about this new Russian System. Already, the Obama Administration called on Russia to comply fully with the contract. And we call on Russia to continue with this, because there is no arms control agreement is effective if only one Partner holds it.
NATO needs a new nuclear strategy?
We have reduced the importance of nuclear weapons with our strategy significantly. We are committed to for decades for nuclear disarmament. NATO played a crucial role in the INF Treaty of 1987 came to a close, and all land-based intermediate-range nuclear weapons were banned. And we have reduced the number of nuclear weapons in Europe by 90 percent. We want to so no re-Upgrade. We don’t want that important agreements on arms control, such as the INF Treaty will be undermined. And that is why we call on Russia to ensure that completely to this very important agreement will be kept.
The Norwegian Jens Stoltenberg, in 2014, Secretary-General of NATO. Previously, the social Democrat, was the Norwegian Prime Minister.
The Interview was conducted by Christian F. Trippe.