site.btaPresident Radev: "NATO Is No Exchange on Which You Can Buy Security"

Brussels, July 11 (BTA correspondent Nikolay Jeliazkov) - "NATO is not an exchange on which you can buy security. NATO is an alliance of sovereign States sharing strategic objectives and common values," Bulgarian President Rumen Radev told Bulgarian journalists on the sidelines of the NATO Summit here on Wednesday.

Commenting on US President Donald Trump's demand that NATO Member States immediately increase their defence spending to 2 per cent of GDP and even consider a 4 per cent target, Radev said that, "in a way, President Trump is right because each Member State must contribute in today's world of growing uncertainty and build effective capabilities. What he is doing is good for our country, too. You see how reluctantly funds are allocated for the armed forces in Bulgaria. I convened three Consultative Councils on National Security: we come to terms about something and then it is called off," the Bulgarian head of State commented.

"The modernization projects are postponed time and again, and reasons are always found. It was very difficult to arrive at all at the plan for meeting the 2 per cent target. It is supposed to be achieved during the term of the next government," he added.

He asked his counterparts what will happen to the Transatlantic connection, which is NATO's backbone as far as defence capabilities are concerned, if the 2 per cent are not reached now. "This is vital for the organization's future, and concerns all Member States," he added.

"Nobody is talking about 4 per cent, this is not discussed now," Radev said.

"I think this pressure will continue. Without America's capabilities, NATO cannot be the same. I reminded everybody about the outcome of the operation in Libya: it then revealed huge deficiencies in the European countries' military capabilities: reconnaissance systems, high-precision weapon systems, in-flight refuelling, mobility, state-of-the-art command and control systems, which were provided entirely by the US. What will be the fate of European security if the US no longer supplies these capabilities? I recommended continued adherence to the dual-track approach to relations with Russia. Remain committed to a deterrence and defence policy and, at the same time, pursue dialogue and, in this situation of an uncertain Transatlantic connection, avoid an aggressive tone and seek ways to normalize relations with Russia. The leaders accept this," Radev explained.

He described Wednesday's Summit as very important "because it is supposed to demonstrate the unity, solidarity and determination of all Member States." "For the time being, the questions outnumber the answers," he pointed out.

The President noted that NATO has lived through many challenging moments in its history. "NATO has always managed to consolidate. I hope that a way out of the present situation will be found, too," the Bulgarian leader said.

Asked about the atmosphere in the conference room, he described it as "not quite cheerful". "All leaders feel more or less awkward because each one thinks what these 4 per cent imply and did President Trump really mean business when he set this condition," Radev noted.

He confirmed that Macedonia is expected to be invited to join NATO and this is one of the positive developments at this Allied summit. "Bulgaria is instrumental in this," the President said. In his words, the timeframe for Macedonia's admission to NATO depends on the implementation of its agreement with Greece.