At the press conference, Rubio also spoke about Gaza, Hamas, peace negotiations in Ukraine and the situation with Venezuela.
– The relationship with Europe is based on the fact that we share a common culture, civilization, common experience, values and principles on things like human rights, freedom, independence and democracy, said Rubio.
– If all that is abolished, because for whatever reason it ceases to be a priority, I think that in the long term and in a broader sense, it burdens and endangers our alliance. In that case you only have a pure defense agreement. That’s all you have, he added.
In its new national security strategy, the administration of President Donald Trump assessed the political climate in the EU as a threat to American interests, criticizing alleged democratic deficits and restrictions on freedom of expression.
The US expects stabilization forces in Gaza and the disarmament of Hamas
There will be no peace in Gaza until Hamas disarms, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said at a press conference in Washington.
– If Hamas ever finds itself in a position to threaten or attack Israel, there will be no peace. You’re not going to convince anyone to invest money in Gaza if they think another war will break out in two or three years. That is why disarmament is so important, emphasizes the US Secretary of State.
In addition, he is convinced that more countries will want to participate in the stabilization forces that should strengthen the fragile ceasefire in Gaza.
– I am truly convinced that countries that are acceptable to all parties are ready to commit and be part of this stabilizing force, he said.
Rubio also referred to the talks between representatives of Israel and Lebanon held on Friday and expects that the talks will lead to a strong Lebanese government and the disarmament of Hezbollah.
– We hope that the talks between the Lebanese authorities and the Israelis will create outlines and a way forward that will prevent further conflicts, said the US Secretary of State.
About Venezuela: There is no fear of escalation with Russia
When it comes to Venezuela, Rubio said that the US is not worried that there could be an escalation with Russia, adding that Washington also expected Moscow to provide rhetorical support to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
The Trump administration has sent thousands of troops to the region, along with an aircraft carrier, warships and fighter jets.
“We’ve always expected him to provide rhetorical support to the Madura regime … that’s not a factor in how we view this whole thing,” Rubio said.
On negotiations with Ukraine
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that no agreement is imposed on anyone in the peace talks on Ukraine, and that neither Ukraine nor Russia can be forced into an agreement.
He pointed out that progress has been made in the negotiations, but that there is still a lot of work to be done because the most difficult issues are always the last to be resolved.
Rubio also added that he could join the talks with the Ukrainian delegation in Miami.
(Vijesti.ba)
