Florence Parly said the alliance was completely lacking in political dialogue
The French Armed Forces Ministry does not think it is necessary for France to leave NATO after the scandalous break of the submarine construction contract with Australia with the participation of the United States. Florence Parly, head of the ministry, said this on Wednesday in her speech to the Senate.
“What conclusions can be drawn from the breakdown of the submarine contract? Should we exit NATO by slamming the door? I don’t think such a step should be taken”, – the war minister said.
“The last few months have been very turbulent in the life of NATO. In particular I am referring to Turkey’s adventurist actions in the Mediterranean Sea. And also the hasty withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, carried out in an uncoordinated manner, which has had, as we have all seen, very unfortunate consequences”, – Parley said. – “The US position on the French submarine contract was a reaffirmation of the observation we have been making for months – there is currently a total lack of political dialogue in NATO”, – she said.
Parley recalled that NATO’s main task is to defend Europe. “The United States plays a major role but France also has a role to play, not least by supporting the Baltic States through the NATO operation,” she said. “But we should not forget that the purpose of NATO’s existence is not to confront China, but to ensure transatlantic security. This is what France intends to remind the US,” Parly said.