Rasmussen drives the point home. Europeans must put their hands in their pockets
(BRUSSELS2) Taking advantage of a trip to London, AF Rasmussen took the opportunity to repeat the message delivered by US Defense Secretary Robert Gates in Brussels last Friday: Europeans must put "hand in pocket" to assume their defense. In an interview with the "Newsnight" program of the with the BBC, the Secretary General of NATO, he says he shares his concern. " NATO is more desirable and necessary than ever ". This is not only a question for NATO - he underlines - but also for Europe. " If Europe wants to play a more significant role on the world stage in the future and take part in international security management missions. So Europe also needs critical military capabilities and to devote investments of a certain level to defense ».
A timely message in London where several senior army officials and British MPs are asking the government to review the budget cuts induced by the strategic review. But a message that is difficult to convey in many capitals faced with budgetary and economic difficulties unprecedented for 30 years (oil crisis of 1974), even 80 years (crisis of 1929), and to justify in the face of public opinion that does not understand not and does not approve of certain external engagements such as Iraq and Afghanistan.
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