By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
BUCHAREST/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Romania was expected Wednesday to support longtime Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who became the next secretary general of the NATO military alliance after Hungary dropped its objections and Slovakia’s president signaled his country’s support.
In a turnaround, the Hungarian Prime Minister confirmed previous Worthy News reporting that “Hungary is ready to support Prime Minister Rutte’s bid for Nato secretary general.”
Orbán published a letter of reassurance he had received from the Dutch leader, which included Rutte’s pledge that Hungary wouldn’t be forced to provide military assistance to Ukraine in its war against invading Russia.
Rutte wrote to Orbán, who maintains close ties to Russia: “I am aware of the outcome of talks between Jens Stoltenberg [the current secretary-general] and you regarding NATO’s support for Ukraine. I understand that you stressed that no Hungarian personnel would take part in these activities and no Hungarian funds would be used to support them.”
The Dutch leader, 57, added that he would respect the commitment given to Hungary, writing, “In a possible future capacity as Nato secretary general, I will fully support this outcome of the talks” and added: “I look forward to our future engagement – whatever that might be.”
Rutte also told Orbán that he realized that his past grievances about Hungary’s rule-of-law situation and LGBTQ policies had led to dissatisfaction in society. While he did not apologize as Orbán demanded, Rutte proposed they look toward the future.
IMAGINING RUTTE
Neighboring Slovakia, another NATO member whose government is seen as sympathetic to Russia, also said it was willing to support Rutte on Tuesday.
In a briefing, Peter Pellegrini, the country’s president, said: “The Slovak republic can imagine supporting the Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte as the head of the alliance.”
The transatlantic military alliance is seeking consensus among its 32 members for someone to succeed Norwegian Jens Stoltenberg as secretary-general when he steps down in October.
Speaking at a news conference in Washington, Stoltenberg said Orban’s announcement made it “obvious that we are very close to a conclusion in the alliance. I think that’s good news. I think that Mark Rutte is a solid candidate.”
Romanian President Klaus Iohannis sought the NATO leadership job for himself, saying it was time for leaders from Eastern Europe to take over.
However, with Orbán supporting Rutte, Iohannis was expected to agree with the candidate shortly.
Copyright 1999-2024 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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