French Defence Minister Says Conflicts Similar to Those in Georgia and Ukraine Mustn’t be Repeated
By Gvantsa Gabekhadze
Wednesday, March 20
Defence Minister of France Florence Parly says that the conflicts similar of those in Georgia and Ukraine, when the countries were attacked by Russia, must not take place again, as such repetition will affect the EU and set the US power under the question mark.
“European countries have moved on to strengthening their capabilities as the continent’s security environment has been sorely tested. In 2008, Georgia was torn into pieces. In 2014, it was Ukraine’s turn,” Parly stated at the Atlantic Council, in Washington on Tuesday.
Parly says that “if we have another Georgia and Ukraine within NATO borders, it will not only be a catastrophe, but also a signal that the US influence has sharply decreased.”
Amid the criticism from US President Donald Trump regarding low defense spending levels in NATO countries Parly said that France will do its best, along with the European nations, to take a larger share of the burden.
But, she continued, “we will call it ‘autonomy,’ and we will count on you to hear in this word nothing [other] than the bonds of a healthy, independent, and robust friendship.”
Trump has also been critical of appeals for European nations to form a common European defense force or strengthen their domestic defense industries.
When French President Emmanuel Macron called for a “true, European army,” on November 6, Trump lambasted the idea, suggesting that it was an effort to “protect Europe against the US,” the Atlantic Council says.
Parly claimed that “building a European autonomy should never be seen as a move against the United States,” nor should it “be a reason for the US to be less engaged.”
She stated that steps to strengthen Europe’s capabilities would help ease the burden off of Washington, especially as it shifts focus away from Europe and toward more pressing regions in East Asia and the Middle East
