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It is very important for Lithuania to have the largest possible presence of US military forces in the region, the country’s leadership to ensure regional air defense, and joint decisions to repel military measures in Kaliningrad that could restrict the freedom of maneuver of the forces. of NATO. This is a factor not only for the security and defense of Lithuania, but also for the entire transatlantic community. Strengthening the strategic partnership with the United States and bilateral defense cooperation would complement the security guarantees provided by NATO and guarantee effective deterrence and security for Lithuania.
“Therefore, it is necessary to actively support the deployment of US troops in Poland and try to take advantage of the moment of” regrouping “of US troops in Europe.” The withdrawal of US troops from Germany should not be called a “weakening of NATO” or a “reduction of the United States’ commitment to Europe, but should be emphasized as an opportunity to bring some US forces closer to the eastern flank, thereby strengthening security. across Europe. Furthermore, to promptly implement the promises regarding improved conditions for the training and training of Allied soldiers in Lithuania. If the infrastructure is not adequately prepared, eg expanded sanitary landfills, it is not realistic wait for the permanent deployment of US troops, ”said L. Kasčiūnas.
According to the Seimas member, to achieve this goal, it is necessary: Lithuania must allocate most of the GDP in the region for defense; contribute more actively to international operations in the United States by increasing the number of troops deployed; develop strategic defense acquisitions in cooperation with the United States; where it is necessary to support the US position on security and defense issues, to ensure that the 5G communication infrastructure in Lithuania is developed only with the participation of manufacturers that meet the criteria of European and transatlantic integration, allowing the unhindered exchange of defense information with the U.S.
A survey of the Lithuanian population conducted this year revealed a downward trend in the assessment of the friendship of one of the most important partners and allies of Lithuania, the United States. Although 74 percent. The country’s population in the United States is classified as a friendly country, compared to a similar survey conducted four years ago. higher.
This tendency to assess friendliness responded to population assessments of countries threatening Lithuania. Although more than two-thirds of respondents have singled Russia out among these countries in the past four years, the U.S. rate has increased significantly to 22 percent. Lithuanian residents consider this country to be a threat when in 2016. The United States considered the threat to be only 7 percent.
“Such changes in the evaluation of the United States can be attributed to the negative attitude of the Lithuanian people towards the president of this country, Donald Trump. This is also influenced by the fact that the United States is rethinking its role in solving global problems focusing more on China, whose growing power in the world poses new challenges, and Europe has begun to be seen as individual states, but not as a common region, “said L Kasčiūnas.
In addition to the weakening of the transatlantic link due to insufficient defense funding and burden sharing by allies in Europe, the idea of creating a European defense force to operate autonomously from the United States and the United States is heard. different strategic cultures of the United States and the main countries of western Europe.
“In fact, China and the Middle East will continue to be the focus of America’s foreign and security policy strategists for the foreseeable future.” And it is the attitude of European countries towards China, their investments and the risks that they entail, which will be an important factor for the United States to assess the credibility of its allies and partners. This is a challenge, but also an opportunity that Lithuania can take advantage of, ”said the NSGC Vice President.
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