Stoltenberg: Initiatives that weaken ties will tear apart not only NATO but Europe

Any initiative that weakens the ties between North America and Europe is tearing apart not only NATO but Europe as well, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said in his interview to Telegraph, Report informs.

"Building parallel structures, creating a double command hierarchy, can weaken our ability to act together and work together. Given the limited resources, there is no need for conflicting efforts. I am pleased with the efforts to increase Europe's defense capabilities, but it cannot replace NATO. Any initiative that weakens ties between North America and Europe is tearing apart not only NATO but Europe as well."

EU high representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell cited the failures in Afghanistan as an example and said that the EU should form a separate military force.