German FM links Obama's new atomic strategy to removal of US nukes
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Berlin, Apr 6, IRNA -- German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle on Tuesday voiced cautious optimism that the new atomic strategy of American President Barack Obama would gradually pave the way for the removal of US nuclear weapons from Germany.
Talking to the online site of the daily Bild newspaper, Westerwelle expressed hope that the new American nuclear strategy would "open up new possibilities for the reduction of so-called tactical atomic weapons in Europe and the subsequent pullout of such arms in Germany."
Such a move would be made in "close coordination with our allies," he added.
Westerwelle reaffirmed that disarmament remained a core theme on his foreign policy agenda.
"Our allies know that we want to achieve results (on the issue)," the minister said.
Germany's political leadership has reiterated the need for the pullout of American nuclear arms from its soil.
Berlin has been at odds with Washington over the need to maintain nuclear deterrence, sparking new tensions in transatlantic relations.
The latest developments notwithstanding, the New York Times reported last month that the US administration was actually exploring with European allies the removal of US tactical nuclear weapons from Europe.
The estimated 20 American atomic bombs at a German air base in the southwestern town of Buechel are part of a stockpile of about 200 nuclear weapons left in Europe after the Cold War ended.
American nuclear bombs in Europe are scattered across 62 aircraft shelters at six military bases in five European countries, according to US nuclear experts.
OT
END
End News / IRNA / News Code 1039891
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
