Weeks ago, Mr. Wallace admitted in his statements that he is not going to take the position, as he does not have the support of the American side
London, Thanasis Gavos
The British government’s decision to provide training to operate US F-16 fighter jets to Ukrainian pilots without US approval is said to be the reason why President Joe Biden has decided not to support British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace’s candidacy for the post of NATO.
Mr. Wallace was considered by many to be his preferred successor Jens Stoltenberg in the leadership of the Alliance and during his recent visit to Washington Prime Minister Rishi Sunak attempted to promote the nomination.
However, weeks ago Mr. Wallace admitted in his statements that he is not going to take the position, as he does not have the support of the American side.
As the Daily Telegraph writes, President Biden has shortlisted the current President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, for the position when Mr. Stoltenberg’s newly renewed term expires in October 2024.
The reason, according to the newspaper’s sources, is the tension between London and Washington over Britain’s “ambitious” anti-US military support for Ukraine.
In particular, it is reported that the announcement of plans to train Ukrainian pilots in the F-16 from London caused the “disappointment” of the USA.
Commons defense committee member Robert Kurtz said Britain should find another Nato secretary-general candidate to support, calling Ms von der Leyen a “divisive choice”.
Source :Skai
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