Ex-US ambassador to Germany supports troop withdrawal plan

Former US Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell backed President Donald Trump's plan to reduce troops in Germany, saying there was no need to pay too much for other countries' defence.

"American taxpayers no longer feel like paying too much for the defence of other countries," Grenell told German media outlet Bild Live on Wednesday.

"There will still be 25,000 soldiers in Germany, that's no small number," added the former official, who resigned on June 1.

Last week, Trump directed the Pentagon to reduce American. military presence in Germany by September.

Citing US government officials, The Wall Street Journal said in a report on June 5 that the move would reduce 9,500 troops from the 34,500 troops that are permanently assigned in Germany, reports Xinhua news agency.

The move also limits the size of US troops deployed in Germany at any one time at the 25,000-troop level.

According to the report, overall troop levels under current practice can rise to as high as 52,000 as units rotate in and out or take part in training exercises.

The report came days after German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that she would not attend the G7 Summit that initially scheduled at the White House later this month due to the coronavirus pandemic.

A person familiar with the matter was quoted as saying that the troops' reduction plan had been discussed within the administration for months and was not linked to Merkel's decision on G7 Summit.

The reduction plan might further strain the relations between Washington and Berlin.

The two allies have been at odds with each other on Iran nuclear issues, Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project, and defence burden-sharing, among others.

 

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( With inputs from IANS )