German president backs NATO amid Trump criticism

By Ayhan Simsek

BERLIN (AA) – NATO is becoming more -- not less -- important, German President Joachim Gauck said on Wednesday in an indirect criticism of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.

Gauck highlighted the significance of NATO and voiced Europe’s commitment to the alliance. His comments come after Trump branded NATO “obsolete” and raised doubts about the future of trans-Atlantic ties.

"Germany and most European countries are firmly committed members of NATO, which in light of recent developments is becoming more, not less, important,” Gauck said during an address at the presidential palace in Berlin.

"I also support making it unmistakably clear to our Eastern European allies that NATO’s mutual defense obligation is and remains a solid commitment,” he said.

Germany’s outgoing president made the remarks during his last major public address before leaving office next month.

Trump’s controversial remarks on Monday, which included predictions that more countries would leave the EU after Brexit, has alarmed many European capitals.

Gauck expressed strong confidence in the future of the EU, urged European partners to do more to stabilize the union and "counteract the internal and external forces" that are trying to cause division.

"Despite some self-doubt and quite a few internal crises: with the European Union, we have created a unique project of peace and prosperity,” he said, and renewed his call for the EU to assume more responsibility on the global stage.

"Germany and the European Union have a lot of say in the world. And they have more than enough reason to self-assuredly come to the defense of an international order that is built on the idea of freedom, democracy and human rights.

“Considering the tremendous challenges that lie ahead, we Europeans and we Germans cannot and must not shirk this responsibility,” he said.

Trump raised doubts about the future of EU and sharply criticized NATO in an interview published by Germany’s Bild daily on Monday.

He argued that NATO had failed to address terrorism and today’s challenges.

"NATO had problems. Number one it was obsolete, because it was, you know, designed many, many years ago. Number two -- the countries aren’t paying what they’re supposed to pay,” he was quoted as saying.