Obama: Putin ‘not persuaded’ by EU unity
US President Obama delivers a speech during his visit to Hanover.
US President Barack Obama said his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin is trying to undermine European unity, which he sees as a threat.
Speaking to CBS News in an interview set to air Tuesday morning, Obama said Europe’s migrant crisis is also a problem for the United States.
“But more importantly, more strategically, is the strain it’s putting on Europe’s politics, the way that it advances far-right nationalism, the degree to which it is encouraging a break-up of European unity, that in some cases, is being exploited by somebody like Mr. Putin,” he said.
Putin sees NATO, the European Union and transatlantic unity as a threat, Obama added.
“Now, I think he’s mistaken about that,” he said. “I’ve indicated to him that, in fact, a strong, unified Europe working with a strong, outward-looking Russia, that’s the right recipe.”
“So far, he has not been entirely persuaded.”
Obama was speaking at the end of a trip to the Middle East and Europe, where he urged European leaders to show greater unity in the face of lingering economic crisis, an Islamist terror threat and the huge flow of migrants from the Middle East and elsewhere.
He also urged Britain not to vote to leave the European Union in a referendum in June.
| [wpResize] |
Related articles across the web
.::. Stories You May Like to Read .::.
US blacklists Putin ally and alleged spy killers
US sees progress in Syria talks with Russia
Obama tells Cameron: Britain’s place is in European Union
Obama discusses Syria, Ukraine with Russia’s Putin
Britain will leave EU by Oct 31 ‘come what may’: Johnson
Boris Johnson says UK will submit concrete Brexit proposals
Obama invokes Nazi Germany in plea to avoid complacency
Why is Britain opting for cut-price diplomacy?
Brexit to nowhere?
Trump and Putin to hold first meeting next week
Loading ...
You must be logged in to post a comment.