Merz: Let no one dare attack NATO

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz held a press conference as part of the NATO Summit held in The Hague, Netherlands. Starting his speech with the words, "This is an unforgettable day that will certainly have a place in NATO history," Merz said, "At this indisputably historic summit attended by 32 NATO partners, we have agreed to increase our defense spending to a total of 5 percent of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) within the next few years. This is a sign of unity."

Emphasizing that money alone cannot solve the problem, German Chancellor Merz stated, "We cannot continue as we have before; additional money must bring with it a new perspective. Money is a kind of beginning." Merz added, "We are not making large investments as a favor to anyone. We are making these investments because we want to, for our own security. We are investing in the foundation of our freedom, our security, and our prosperity."

"LET NO ONE DARE ATTACK NATO"

Responding to a question regarding the decision of NATO countries to increase their share of defense spending to 5 percent of GDP by 2035, Merz used the phrase, "Let no one dare attack NATO." Merz stated that Russia is not strong enough to attack the entirety of NATO, but that the decision to increase military spending taken at today's summit is intended to deter Russia from attacking even a part of NATO. In response to another question, Merz referred to Hungary and Slovakia, describing the existence of differing views on Russia and the inability to reach a consensus on every issue as a situation that always occurs within NATO.

"THE MIDDLE EAST WILL BECOME SAFER"

Touching upon developments in the Middle East in the context of the Israel-Iran conflict and the ceasefire call made by US President Donald Trump, Merz said, "If this ceasefire call succeeds following the attacks by Israel and the US on Iranian nuclear facilities, it will be a positive development that will make the Middle East and the entire world safer."

"WE MUST INCREASE ECONOMIC PRESSURE ON MOSCOW"

Stating that he spoke with US President Donald Trump within the scope of the NATO Summit regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, Merz said, "There will be no military solution to this conflict. We must increase economic pressure on Moscow. The European Union is doing this; the 18th sanctions package will come into effect tomorrow, but this alone will not be enough. We need the United States to be more involved in such sanctions as well. I asked President Trump once again to do this."

Merz noted that in this way, the United States could exert more pressure on Moscow to return to the negotiating table.

News Source: İHA