Obama says he will tell allies Trump is committed to NATO

[webfact]

Obama says he will tell allies Trump is committed to NATO

Robert Hackwill

 

 

WASHINGTON: -- U.S President Barack Obama promised the country’s NATO allies “continuity” as he prepared to turn over control of the White House to his Republican successor, president-elect Donald Trump.

 

“There’s enormous continuity beneath the day-to-day news that makes us that indispensable nation when it comes to maintaining order and prosperity around the world. That will continue,” said Barack Obama in his first news conference since Trump won the 2016 U.S. presidential election last week.

 

“In my conversation with the president-elect he expressed a great interest in maintaining our core strategic relationships and so one of the messages I will be able to deliver is his commitment to NATO and the Transatlantic alliance. I think that’s one of the most important functions I can serve at this stage during this trip is to let them know during this trip that there is no weakening resolve when it comes to maintaining a strong and robust NATO relationship and a recognition that those alliances aren’t just good for Europe, they’re good for the United States and they are vital for the world,” said Obama.

 

Obama only met trump for the first time last Thursday, and at the press conference when asked if he has “concerns” about the Trump presidency he replied, “Yes, absolutely”.

 

However he adopted a generally moderate tone and expressed confidence Trump would not run the country with the billionaire’s trademark brashness. He said he warned him that governing was not the same as campaigning, and that some of his personality traits would not serve him well if they were not controlled.

 

“I did say to him as I’ve said publicly that because of the nature of the campaigns and the bitterness and ferocity of the campaigns that it’s really important to try to send some signals of unity and to reach out to minority groups or women or others that were concerned,” Obama added.

 

-- © Copyright Euronews 2016-11-15

 

[zaphod reborn]

Trump:  "Thanks for all the fish, but I'm off to be a puppet for my buddy, Putin."

[JuanCarlos]

NATO is an outdated "thing"...For once I agree with Trump and hope USA will stop pay for this

[craigt3365]

7 minutes ago, JuanCarlos said:

NATO is an outdated "thing"...For once I agree with Trump and hope USA will stop pay for this

Is the EU willing to step up for this?

[Chicog]

30 minutes ago, JuanCarlos said:

NATO is an outdated "thing"...For once I agree with Trump and hope USA will stop pay for this

 

Since it's mainly there to back up America's absurd forays into foreign countries, that wouldn't go down well with the hawks.

 

 

[Chicog]

24 minutes ago, craigt3365 said:

Is the EU willing to step up for this?

 

Under discussion....

 

http://www.politico.eu/article/italy-proposes-joint-european-military-force-schengen-of-defense/

[JuanCarlos]

1 hour ago, craigt3365 said:

Is the EU willing to step up for this?

EU governments maybe, people of europe for sure no!

[elgordo38]

Hey Barrack you have done OK up to this point lets not start telling big white ones. 

[Baerboxer]

2 hours ago, JuanCarlos said:

NATO is an outdated "thing"...For once I agree with Trump and hope USA will stop pay for this

 

No its not. It was in danger of becoming redundant with the cold war thawing. But thanks to Putin it's clear it's still very necessary. 

 

Trump hasn't said he wants to scrap NATO. But he points out some nations have been free wheeling on the costs, avoiding contributions they are contractually and willingly signed up to. 

 

He's totally right to demand they honor their contractual obligations.

 

As for piss pot Juncker and delusions of being president of a federal EU state with his own armed forces - without the US and UK. Good look with that. Don't remember Luxembourg ever being known for their military might.

[JuanCarlos]

6 minutes ago, Baerboxer said:

 

No its not. It was in danger of becoming redundant with the cold war thawing. But thanks to Putin it's clear it's still very necessary. 

 

Trump hasn't said he wants to scrap NATO. But he points out some nations have been free wheeling on the costs, avoiding contributions they are contractually and willingly signed up to. 

 

He's totally right to demand they honor their contractual obligations.

 

As for piss pot Juncker and delusions of being president of a federal EU state with his own armed forces - without the US and UK. Good look with that. Don't remember Luxembourg ever being known for their military might.

I maintain my point, NATO is useless and could lead to more problems and conflicts than solving them.

This NATO thing just helped the USA bring more weapons to Russian borders (yeah the big demon Russia who annexed Crimea, please review Kossovo before mentioning this) I am quite sure if a kind of NATO was created and involved russia, mexico and Cuba for exemple building bases and bring  weapons to US border, the song wouldn t be the same)

NATO is expensive, uselss an a threat to peace in modern days with asymetric wars. The only thing which should survive are EU-EU agreements and country by country agreement with USA...

By the way, even if OT, do you know how much money could be created from EU-Russia markets? Guess who doesn't want this to happen :)

Edited November 15, 2016 by JuanCarlos

[craigt3365]

2 hours ago, Chicog said:

 

Since it's mainly there to back up America's absurd forays into foreign countries, that wouldn't go down well with the hawks.

Not sure those in the Baltics, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, etc would all agree with you. LOL

[Usernames]

The EU has a bigger population than the US and Russia. The EU has a larger GDP than the US and Russia. So, 1) why is the US paying for Europes defense over 70 years after World War II? And 2) why is the EU afraid of a much smaller Russia and Russian economy?

[JuanCarlos]

Just now, Usernames said:

The EU has a bigger population than the US and Russia. The EU has a larger GDP than the US and Russia. So, 1) why is the US paying for Europes defense over 70 years after World War II? And 2) why is the EU afraid of a much smaller Russia and Russian economy?

As previously stated UE and Russia economic cooperation would lead to a big market and big money...which really would infuriate the US

[craigt3365]

1 minute ago, JuanCarlos said:

As previously stated UE and Russia economic cooperation would lead to a big market and big money...which really would infuriate the US

Actually, if Russia and the EU would just get along, it'd be a bigger market for the US.  Win win.  It is all about money.

[JuanCarlos]

1 minute ago, craigt3365 said:

Actually, if Russia and the EU would just get along, it'd be a bigger market for the US.  Win win.  It is all about money.

I hope this as well, unfortunatly I think the US do not see this this way :D

Edited November 15, 2016 by JuanCarlos

[craigt3365]

1 hour ago, JuanCarlos said:

EU governments maybe, people of europe for sure no!

Unless you are from the Baltics, or Ukraine, or Moldova, or....

[craigt3365]

17 minutes ago, JuanCarlos said:

I maintain my point, NATO is useless and could lead to more problems and conflicts than solving them.

This NATO thing just helped the USA bring more weapons to Russian borders (yeah the big demon Russia who annexed Crimea, please review Kossovo before mentioning this) I am quite sure if a kind of NATO was created and involved russia, mexico and Cuba for exemple building bases and bring  weapons to US border, the song wouldn t be the same)

NATO is expensive, uselss an a threat to peace in modern days with asymetric wars. The only thing which should survive are EU-EU agreements and country by country agreement with USA...

By the way, even if OT, do you know how much money could be created from EU-Russia markets? Guess who doesn't want this to happen :)

Right....and Russia has NO weapons near Europe's borders? LOL

 

https://news.vice.com/article/moldova-has-politely-asked-russia-to-move-europes-largest-weapons-stockpile

Quote

 

Transnistria is essentially a massive prepositioned Russian army waiting to be reanimated — presuming, of course, that the Russians can actually find Transnistria.

 

At the end of the Cold War, following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact, the 14th Guards Army found itself at loose ends, and like a lot of large Soviet formations, became a significant local political player, helping the pro-Moscow Transnistrian separatists make good on their secessionist plans. While the vast majority of the Russian troops there have left, the hardware has not, leaving Transnistria sitting on what’s reputed to be the largest weapons stockpile in Europe.

 

 

Mexico doesn't need weapons at their border.  Their huge trading partners with the US.  Doesn't make sense.  Nonsense statement.

 

Can't blame the West for all the world's problems.

[Dumbastheycome]

I wonder if when he  makes that  "statement" to the  NATO mebers will both his hands  be visible or  behind his back with all fingers crossed?

[phantomfiddler]

Saw obama on TV this morning, and to see the transformation from the normal cocky smug arrogance change to downcast and glum was nothing short of exhilarating !

[Si Thea01]

5 hours ago, zaphod reborn said:

Trump:  "Thanks for all the fish, but I'm off to be a puppet for my buddy, Putin."

 

You cannot be serious, must be in the running for comedian of the year.  5555

[Si Thea01]

5 hours ago, Chicog said:

 

Under discussion....

 

http://www.politico.eu/article/italy-proposes-joint-european-military-force-schengen-of-defense/

 

Utter delusion I'd say.

[Thaidream]

Donald Trump's America will  not be in anyone's orbit except that of the American people. Trump will tell Russia that they can keep Crimea and they will work together to solve the Syria issue. Trump could care less who the Syrian President is. The Russians and US will work together to destroy ISIS with the Russians doing most of the work. Trump's idea is to let the Russians bleed and the Americans pay.

Europe has had a free ride off the Americans for decades. Trump will make the Europeans pay more for defense and reduce the American contribution to Europe. In addition, he will be really tough on Iran and the other Middle Eastern countries. His ultimate aim is to make the US completely independent on energy and be able to tell Saudi Arabia and the rest of them to piss off.

The  US will move closer to Asia except for China which he sees as a clear and present danger to America. He will use the same strategy that China has used and make agreements and arrangements with Vietnam, Thailand and others to use military bases and allow their products to be sold in the US without tariffs.

 

[elgordo38]

He knows his way back in time how about forward??

Quote

Back to the Future writer confirmed that the character of Biff Tannen, the trilogy’s villain, was based on Donald Trump. In the second film, which was celebrated last year as part of Back to the Future day, Biff becomes a successful businessman who owns a huge casino and uses his money to influence the politics. In the movie, Biff used the profits from his 27-story casino (prototype of the 37-story Trump Plaza Hotel, completed in 1984) to help shake up the Republican Party and finally assume political power himself. Biff encourages every citizen of his home town to call him “America’s greatest living folk hero.” Remind of someone? unquote. 
 

[spiritrace]

This is the first time I have seen a  president go overseas and run his mouth about a new president.....Not cool....

[gemini81]

TEAM NATO: World Police Part II

[hawker9000]

Not that it's unexpected, but Obama should keep his pie hole shut and quit trying to put words in his successor's mouth.   It's typically Obama, presumptuous and arrogant, and incredibly lame.  Trump would do well to broadcast this himself, but he seems to actually be trying to progress the transition without undue rancor.  Obama will likely push matters though, and force Trump to say something sooner or later I'm guessing.

[mrwebb8825]

NATO can piss off - it was formed to prevent attacks from outsiders. Since then, they've reneged on payment and opened the front, side and back doors welcoming attackers from the outside. Now that fool in charge with his Obama hand-puppet are going to try and TELL Trump what to do. Good luck with that boys.

I have NO idea why Obama is continuing on his ass-kissing, apology tour at the tax payers expense.

 

His legacy is going to be knee calluses and chapped lips.

 

The world better wake-up to the fact that he ain't the hnic anymore and hasn't been since the Clintons told him they'd handle it.

[craigt3365]

37 minutes ago, mrwebb8825 said:

NATO can piss off - it was formed to prevent attacks from outsiders. Since then, they've reneged on payment and opened the front, side and back doors welcoming attackers from the outside. Now that fool in charge with his Obama hand-puppet are going to try and TELL Trump what to do. Good luck with that boys.

I have NO idea why Obama is continuing on his ass-kissing, apology tour at the tax payers expense.

 

His legacy is going to be knee calluses and chapped lips.

 

The world better wake-up to the fact that he ain't the hnic anymore and hasn't been since the Clintons told him they'd handle it.

What attackers from the outside?

[JLCrab]

On 11/15/2016 at 6:55 PM, Thaidream said:

Donald Trump's America will  not be in anyone's orbit except that of the American people. Trump will  <snip>

 

Well I hope Mr. Trump is able to put together a good foreign policy and national defense team so he doesn't have to do all this stuff all by himself.

Edited November 17, 2016 by JLCrab

[mrwebb8825]

19 hours ago, craigt3365 said:

What attackers from the outside?

Seriously?? You need to come up for air a little more often. I'm pretty sure that all those bombings, mass shootings, crazed truck drivers, etc. killing thousands that have been going on for the last 3+ years throughout Europe were not the work of homegrown Europeans.