Nato stands by all allies — Official

BRUSSELS: Nato insisted yesterday that every member state is covered by its ‘all for one, one for all’ collective defence pledge, after US President Donald Trump appeared to undercut the alliance’s core commitment.

Trump stoked the uproar over this week’s summit with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin when on Tuesday he said the tiny Balkan nation’s people were “aggressive” and capable of triggering World War III.

In that case, would it be reasonable to go to their defence, a Fox News journalist asked the president.

“I understand what you’re saying. I’ve asked the same question,” Trump answered.

The president’s comments were in line with his overall “America First” strategy and with longstanding US doubts about the wisdom of coming to the rescue of smaller, troublesome allies in Europe at the risk of its own nuclear annihilation.

A Nato official speaking to AFP made no direct reference to the controversy over Montenegro but noted that at a leaders’ summit earlier this month, President Trump had re-stated Washington’s commitment to the alliance.

“Nato’s collective defence clause, Article 5, is unconditional and ironclad. It means that an attack on one is an attack on all,” said the official who asked not to be named.

“President Trump has made clear that the US is fully committed to Nato and our alliance is strong,” he said.

“Article 5 has only been invoked once, in support of the US after the 9/11 attacks. — AFP