BRUSSELS — NATO selected Tuesday to increase Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg’s contract by an additional yr, opting to stay with an skilled chief as warfare rages on the alliance’s doorstep fairly than attempt to agree on a successor.
Stoltenberg, a former prime minister of Norway, has been the transatlantic safety alliance’s chief since 2014 and his tenure had already been prolonged three earlier instances.
The resolution means continuity on the high of NATO as its 31 members grapple with the problem of supporting Ukraine in repelling Moscow’s invasion whereas avoiding a direct battle between NATO and Russian forces.
Stoltenberg, 64, is extensively seen throughout the alliance as a gentle chief and affected person consensus-builder.
In a tweet, Stoltenberg stated he was honored by the choice to increase his time period to October 1, 2024.
“The transatlantic bond between Europe and North America has ensured our freedom and security for nearly 75 years, and in a more dangerous world, our Alliance is more important than ever,” he stated.
His subsequent duties embrace overseeing a metamorphosis of NATO forces to refocus on defending towards any Russian assault, after a long time during which the alliance focused on missions past its borders, reminiscent of in Afghanistan and the Balkans.
He may even must handle variations over how concerned NATO ought to change into in Asia, with the United States pushing for a larger position in countering China, whereas others reminiscent of France insist NATO should preserve concentrate on the North Atlantic space.
Diplomats and analysts give Stoltenberg excessive marks for holding NATO collectively over Ukraine, hanging a stability between these demanding most help for Kyiv and others urging extra warning out of worry of sparking a world battle.
“NATO member states have decided logically enough that the best secretary general currently on the market place is the one they already have. Experience matters especially at one of the most testing times in NATO’s history,” stated Jamie Shea, a former senior NATO official now with the Chatham House suppose tank. — Reuters
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
