German Chancellor Dismisses Link Between Trump Dispute and US Troop Reduction
Chancellor Merz Addresses US-Germany Relations and Troop Reduction
BERLIN, May 3 (Reuters) - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he must accept that President Donald Trump does not share his opinions in order to work with the United States within NATO, but stressed there was no link between their rift and a planned troop drawdown.
Merz Responds to US Troop Reduction Announcement
Merz dismissed suggestions that his criticism of U.S. war planning in Iran had sparked Washington's Friday announcement that the U.S. would reduce its military presence in Germany, its largest European base, by 5,000 soldiers, and repeated his commitment to the transatlantic alliance.
Background on US-Germany Dispute
Merz had questioned whether Trump had an exit plan for the Middle East and said the U.S. was being "embarrassed" in talks with Iran. Trump later called Merz an "ineffectual" leader.
Chancellor's Statement on US Partnership
"I have to accept that the American president has a different view on these issues than we do. But that does not change the fact that I remain convinced that the Americans are important partners for us," Merz told public broadcaster ARD in an interview due to be aired later on Sunday.
No Connection Between Dispute and Troop Reduction
Asked whether U.S. plans to reduce its troop presence in Germany had anything to do with the spat between the two leaders, Merz said, "There is no connection."
US Military Policy and European Security
Trump called for a reduced U.S. military presence in Germany already during his first term and has repeatedly called on Europeans to take greater responsibility for their own security.
Cancellation of Missile Deployment Plan
Friday's announcement is also seen as a cancellation of a plan under Joe Biden's administration to deploy a U.S. battalion with long-range Tomahawk missiles to Germany.
Impact on German Security Strategy
This is a blow to Berlin, which had pushed for the move as a powerful deterrent against Russia, while the Europeans develop such weapons of their own.
Merz on US Weapons Systems
Merz said Trump had never committed to this plan and that it was unlikely the U.S. would give up such weapons systems, adding, "If I'm not mistaken, the Americans don't have enough themselves at the moment."
(Reporting by Klaus Lauer and Rachel MoreEditing by Tomasz Janowski)
