Lithuanian defence minister says no threat of US troop withdrawal from region

VILNIUS - Lithuanian Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas said on Thursday that Lithuania has held talks with the US on support in the conflict with Iran and currently sees no threat of a US troop withdrawal from the region.

The minister's comments follow criticism from US President Donald Trump, who, after a closed-door meeting with NATO chief Mark Rutte on Wednesday, slammed the Alliance over allies' reluctance to assist in the war with Iran.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the White House is considering penalising certain NATO members that failed to support the US effort. Citing American officials, the publication said the administration is weighing a plan to withdraw troops from countries deemed unsupportive and relocate them to more cooperative nations.

NO SIGNALS OF US WITHDRAWAL

"To be honest, Lithuania, Poland, and the Baltic states are mentioned among those that contributed at least with support and understanding of the whole situation. Preliminarily speaking, we are seen as countries that have always cooperated and continue to cooperate with the United States," Kaunas said.

"In this specific case of Iran, there was communication and cooperation, a dialogue, so to speak," he added.

According to the publication's sources, "favourable countries" including Poland, Romania, Lithuania, and Greece could benefit from the situation. The plan could lead to more US troops being deployed closer to Russia's borders.

Kaunas stated that Lithuania has seen no signs that US troops stationed in the country will leave.

"Today, we do not see or have such a threat. This is because we constantly declare that America is our strategic partner. We are significantly improving the host nation support package and meeting many US expectations and requests," the minister said.

"We see no threats at this minute, but the process is dynamic and the dialogue is ongoing. Let's wait and see," he added.

The meeting between Trump and the NATO chief also touched upon a potential US withdrawal from the Alliance, taking place a day after the US and Iran agreed to a fragile two-week ceasefire.

The US president called NATO a "paper tiger" for refusing to lead efforts to open the strategic Strait of Hormuz and for limiting US access to bases on their territories.

"At this point, we need to see how the agreement and the peace process will work, and whether it will be sustainable. How Europe and NATO countries could or should contribute to maintaining that peace. I believe all questions will be answered during the dialogue and discussion," Kaunas said.

OPPORTUNITY FOR LITHUANIA

Remigijus Motuzas, chairman of the Seimas Committee on Foreign Affairs, said Lithuania has no information regarding the deliberations in Washington reported by The Wall Street Journal.

"We do not have such information. In fact, a Congressional delegation visited our Seimas last week (...) they assured and praised Lithuania for being a leader, allocating 5.3 percent of GDP to defence, and for paying great attention to cooperation," Motuzas told reporters at the parliament.

He added that he does not believe the US will withdraw from NATO.

Meanwhile, Laurynas Kasciunas, leader of the opposition Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democrats, suggested that while the reports would be a poor sign for NATO unity, they could present an opportunity for the Alliance's eastern flank.

According to Kasciunas, a US withdrawal or reduced participation in the Alliance would pose a major problem for Europe.

"America represents 70-80 percent of the Alliance. If they were to start an 'empty chair' crisis, we would face very serious geopolitical challenges and problems, because Europe is not yet capable of compensating for critical capabilities such as intelligence, long-range strike capabilities, and the entire anti-ballistic air defence system," he said.