TIRANA, May 4 – NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said European leaders have clearly understood the message from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding defence.

He spoke after a sudden announcement of U.S. troop withdrawals from Germany. He said European leaders have reacted to concerns raised by the United States over Europe’s response to the situation in the Middle East.

Rutte said European leaders have taken the message “clearly and strongly.” He said he bases this on his contacts with leaders across Europe.
He also said the United States has expressed some disappointment with the European response to current developments in the Middle East.

/a.p./