Germany worried about plans to reduce US forces on its soil

Text by: Pascal Thibaut Follow

Reports that the President wants to significantly reduce the military presence of the United States in Germany, his main anchor in Europe, surprised and irritated on the spot. Only parliamentarians specializing in these matters have reacted since the announcement of such a measure on Friday. The German government preferred to remain silent. The Minister of Foreign Affairs broke it on Sunday morning in an interview.

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With our correspondent in Berlin,

"  It's complicated  ": the German Minister of Foreign Affairs did not try to embellish the situation to discuss the relationship of his country with the United States. Heiko Maas says in an interview with the newspaper Bild am Sonntag that he  regrets the possible withdrawal of American soldiers currently deployed in Germany. The Minister also believes that this presence is in the interest of both countries.

Press reports, not denied by the White House, that Washington would reduce its military presence in Germany from 35,000 to 25,000 men surprised in Germany and caused irritation.

In the majority as in the opposition, one criticizes a unilateral measure which if it is confirmed has not been negotiated with the partners of NATO. Some speculate on the reasons for Donald Trump: did the American President not appreciate that Chancellor Merkel does not participate in the G7 summit? Or do other reasons - Berlin's military budget, the Nordstream 2 gas pipeline between Germany and Russia - explain this decision?

The parliamentarians who reacted believe that Washington would thereby harm its own interests, the American forces using their presence in Germany to coordinate numerous international operations. Rammstein Air Force Base plays a central role as the largest American hospital outside of the United States.

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