Latvian Defense Minister Urges Caution on Sales to Non-NATO Members

Latvian Defense Minister Imants Liegis

From Julian Hale, Defense News: Latvian Defense Minister Imants Liegis urged consultation among allied countries when NATO members consider selling power-projection equipment to non-allies.

 Russia has recently been in discussions with France, the Netherlands and Spain about the purchase of an assault ship.

"A Russian general said that if he had had this equipment at the time of the attack on Georgia, it could have been done in 40 minutes and not 24 hours," Liegis said. "There should be open consultation with all NATO countries before a sale is made, as it is very dangerous for decisions to be taken by countries without discussion."

He suggested that more use could be made of Article 4 of the Washington Treaty in this regard. The article states that "the Parties will consult together whenever, in the opinion of any of them, the territorial integrity, political independence or security of any of the Parties is threatened."  (photo: LETA) (via Politico’s Morning Defense)

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