From the Copenhagen Post: [Danish] Defence Minister Gitte Lillelund Bech’s announcement that the state is set to abandon three upcoming Nato projects has former prime minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen breaking his promise not to get involved in Danish politics, reports Politiken newspaper.
At a security conference in Brussels yesterday, Rasmussen – who is now Nato’s secretary general – said the government’s decision is taking Denmark "in the wrong direction."
"When I left Denmark I promised I wouldn’t stick my nose into Danish politics," said Rasmussen. "But while I understand the need for budget cuts sometimes, a country’s defence and security shouldn’t be a job creation project."
From Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Statement by the Secretary General on Danish withdrawal from AGS project: I have taken note of the announcement by the Danish Government to withdraw from the NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance project.
I strongly regret this decision. AGS is designed to make soldiers from all NATO countries safer and more effective when they are deployed on operations.
Denmarks’ withdrawal from the program sends the wrong signal to our forces and to other Allies. (photo: NATO)
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