USA TODAY International Edition
Nikki Haley says U. S. can’t trust Russia, must be cautious
South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley vowed Wednesday to be a strong voice against Russia’s aggressive moves if she’s confirmed as Donald Trump’s ambassador to the United Nations.
“Russia is trying to show its muscle,” Haley told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee during her confirmation hearing. “We cannot trust them and need to continue to be cautious.”
Haley said she was against Russia’s annexation of Crimea and actions in Syria but said the U. S. needs Moscow’s help to fight ISIL.
Sen. Ben Cardin of Maryland, the ranking Democrat on the committee, asked if she supports sanctions on Russia.
“Russia has to make positive actions before we lift any sanctions,” she replied.
On Israel, Haley said it was “a terrible mistake” last month when the U. S. abstained on a U. N. Security Council resolution condemning Israeli settlements. However, Haley said she supports a two- state solution and calls for Israel not to expand settlements in the West Bank on land Palestinians seek for a future state.
“I do understand how they ( Palestinians) think they will hinder peace,” she said. But “we need to let the two parties decide those issues among themselves.”
Haley vowed her support for Trump’s pledge to move the U. S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a controversial position against U. S. policy.
When asked about comments made by Trump that NATO had become obsolete, Haley said, “Any comments the presidentelect has made are his comments.”
Haley disagreed with Trump on several issues during the hearing.
She said she was against a blanket ban on Muslim immigration, saying, “the president- elect corrected his position on that.” Haley also said she disagrees with a proposed U. S. Muslim registry, calling it unconstitutional. Sen. Bob Corker, R- Tenn., the committee chairman, said after the hearing that Haley showed her independence by expressing views that departed from some of Trump’s public statements.
“I would rather see a group of people that have strong views on the president’s cabinet, rather than people who are in lockstep,” he said.
Sen. Chris Murphy, D- Conn., asked Haley if she expects Trump’s views to shift on foreign policy. “You surround yourself with people who don’t just say ‘ yes.’ And what I know about the president- elect is he will listen.”
Sen. Tim Kaine, D- Va., asked about the Iran nuclear deal and whether Haley agrees with Trump in wanting to back out of the deal negotiated by the Obama administration with Iran and five other world powers.
Haley said no. It is “more beneficial at this point is to look at all the aspects of the Iran deal, are they in compliance?” she said.
The USA contributes 22% of the U. N.’ s general budget, and Haley questioned whether such a large investment is worthwhile.
“We are a generous nation,” she said. “But we must ask ourselves what good is being accomplished by this disproportionate contribution. Are we getting what we pay for?”