Washington may not defend NATO allies: Trump
Iran Press TV
Thu Jul 21, 2016 9:52AM
US Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump says under his leadership the Washington may not remain committed to the protection of NATO allies.
Trump said in an interview with the New York Times on Wednesday that if he is elected president, the US would only aid the allies who have "fulfilled their obligations to us."
Asked about Russia's possible response to NATO's military buildup in the Baltic region, Trump said America might abandon a guarantee of protection to such countries.
Members of NATO have signed a treaty that says an attack on one member state is an attack on all and that other states should come to aid of any member that comes under attacks.
Last week, Trump said the US has been providing the western military alliance with more support than it should. He also noted that NATO should play an active role in the war against Daesh militants.
A woman holds signs in support of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and Republican vice presidential candidate Mike Pence on July 20, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. ©AFP
Trump further noted that he would not pressure US allies over crackdown on opposition groups if he elected president, saying that Washington had to "fix our own mess" before "lecturing" other countries.
"I don't think we have the right to lecture. Look at what is happening in our country. How are we going to lecture when people are shooting policemen in cold blood?" he said.
Asked about the recent failed coup in Turkey, Trump praised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, saying, "I give great credit to him for being able to turn that around."
"Some people say that it was staged, you know that. I don't think so," he added.
This as US Secretary of State John Kerry warned Ankara on Monday not to go too far with its ongoing arrest and ouster of military personnel, police officers and judges for alleged involvement in the coup attempt.
Kerry also said that Turkey may lose its membership in the NATO military alliance if it fails to maintain democratic principles.
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