German FM: Ties with U.S. may be affected by troop withdrawals

CGTN

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German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas voiced regret Sunday at reports that U.S. President Donald Trump plans to cut the number of U.S. troops stationed in Germany, with some worrying about the potential weakening of "transatlantic bridges."

Other senior politicians in Berlin were more blunt in their criticism, slamming the plan as the latest blow to U.S.-German ties and a potential security risk.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday that Trump had ordered the Pentagon to slash the number of American military personnel by 9,500 from the current 34,500 permanently assigned in Germany.

"Should it come to the withdrawal of part of the US troops, we take note of this," Maas told the Bild am Sonntag daily. "We appreciate the cooperation with the U.S. armed forces that has grown over decades. It is in the interest of both of our countries."

Germany's Foreign Minister Heiko Maas speaks during a news conference in Dublin, Ireland, April 12, 2018. /Reuters

But he admitted ties had become strained under Trump.

"We are close partners in the transatlantic alliance. But it's complicated," Maas told Bild.

There was no immediate confirmation from U.S. officials about the alleged plan to slash troop numbers in Germany and cap them at 25,000 in future.

But it comes amid tensions between the Trump administration and European allies over longstanding cooperation agreements. Trump has been particularly critical of Germany in recent years, accusing the fellow NATO member of not spending enough on defense.

NATO Summit: Trump lashes out at allies over defense spending

Germany hosts more U.S. troops than any other country in Europe, a legacy of the Allied occupation after World War II.

Peter Beyer, Chancellor Angela Merkel's coordinator for transatlantic relations, warned that Trump's plan would weaken "transatlantic bridges."

"The German-U.S. relationship could be severely affected by such a decision from the U.S. president," he told DPA news agency.

Source(s): AFP