Trump says strong Europe is "very, very important" for U.S.April 21, 2017 - 10:29 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S. President Donald Trump, who once celebrated Britain's decision to leave the European Union, insisted Thursday, March 20 that he wants the bloc to remain strong, AFP reports. "Yes, a strong Europe is very, very important to me as president of the United States," Trump told reporters at a joint news conference with Italy's Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni. "And it is also in my opinion -- in my very strong opinion -- important for the United States. We want to see it. We will help it be strong." Trump's past comments predicting that other countries "will leave" the EU after Britain voted to do so last year rankled European leaders. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker even responded with a joke he was ready to encourage U.S. independence movements if Trump failed to tone down his Brexit support. However Trump is still insisting most NATO members "owe" money to the alliance, stressing a goal that they all spend two percent of economic output on military expenditure. In his media conference with the Italian prime minister, Trump focused again on that financial issue. Gentiloni said his country fully intended to meet that commitment, despite budget limitations. "We know that this will be a gradual process. It has already begun," he said. Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Viva-MTS: Tech solutions to modernize infrastructure of border village The border village has been the focus of Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Values since 2015. Ucom's fixed network launched in Artashat To mark this occasion, the company has introduced a special offer exclusively for Artashat residents. “By Your Side”: IDBank's new support program for displaced Artsakh citizens IDBank is launching a long-term social support program for forcibly displaced Artsakh residents. The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. |