German Foreign Minister Stresses Need for Nuclear Deterrence Amid Threats
Germany's Position on Nuclear Deterrence and Non-Proliferation
Statement by Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul
FRANKFURT, April 27 (Reuters) - German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Monday that deterrence is needed amid nuclear threats, even as he underscored support for nuclear non-proliferation.
Importance of Credible Deterrence
"As long as nuclear threats against us and our partners continue, we will need a credible deterrent," he said in a statement ahead of meetings on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty that he is due to attend this week at the United Nations in New York.
Focus of the Upcoming Conference
He added the conference would seek new ways of safeguarding the treaty's achievements and focus on nuclear disarmament.
European Cooperation on Nuclear Policy
France and Germany's Joint Initiatives
France and Germany last month announced plans to deepen cooperation on nuclear deterrence, marking a significant shift in defence policy as Europe faces rising threats from Russia and instability linked to the Iran conflict.
Context of Rising Security Threats
(Reporting by Ludwig Burger, editing by Thomas Seythal)
