International

A few weeks before retiring from his post the head of the Ministry of defense Ashton Carter has stated its readiness to long-term competition with Russia and determined to defend allies of the United States. However, he assured that he does not want to see in Moscow of the enemy

Acting Minister of defense Ashton Carter said that the United States should support opportunities for cooperation with Russia in the areas where the interests of two countries coincide, but promised that Washington will always defend its allies and is ready for a long confrontation with Moscow.

“Everything that makes the United States, both independently and in NATO, ensures that we have continued to resist Russian aggression and we are ready for a long rivalry,” said Carter at a security forum in California, reports CNN.

“We do not want to see Russia as an enemy. But we should not delude ourselves, we will defend our allies, the world order based on firm principles, and a bright future, which he provides to all of us,” — said the head of the Pentagon.

Carter expressed confidence that NATO in the future will be crucial to ensure collective defense in the face of both new and returning of their past threats. He described Russia’s actions in Syria as counterproductive and accused Moscow of fomenting the nuclear threat and aggressive intentions towards Ukraine and the Baltic countries, writes “Interfax”.

He congratulated General James Mattis with his selection to the post of defense Minister in the administration of Donald trump and confirmed his readiness to ensure a smooth transition of power in the Department. Previously, the Pentagon officially declared that highly appreciates achievements and professional quality of Mattis.

During the election campaign the US President-elect Donald trump has repeatedly criticized the actions of the allies and promised to review relations with them. “Either we’re going to pay all that is owed before, or get”. said during one of the performances trump. “If NATO will collapse, let them collapse”, — he added then.

In July 2016, Donald trump also said, I’m not sure that he is ready to automatically renew the guarantee for the allies. He said that the United States will “cover the back” of its allies in NATO, only “if they fulfil their commitments” towards the United States.

As a candidate, trump has also repeatedly stated that, in contrast to incumbent President Barack Obama, would be able to negotiate with Russian President Vladimir Putin on many key issues.