Panetta, Clinton in Munich to discuss transatlantic security
MUNICH, Germany — As U.S. and international leaders gather for a weekend of talks on Europe’s most pressing security issues, the new U.S. defense strategy and drawdown of forces on the continent will likely dominate the discussions.
In an opening statement at the Munich Security Conference on Friday, German Defense Minister Thomas de Maizière said Europeans should neither begrudge nor fear the planned withdrawal of two U.S. brigades from the country as part of a new defense strategy that foresees fewer forward-based troops in Europe.
“It’s indicative of the trust the Americans are placing in us as partners,” de Maizière said.
The annual conference, in its 48th year, comes as the U.S. rolls out a more limited defense posture in Europe and as NATO countries consider a future with fewer American troops stationed on the continent and greater economic challenges, both expected to be major topics of discussion.
U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is scheduled to speak Saturday, as is Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Sens. John McCain, Lindsey Graham and Joseph Lieberman will also participate in the conference.
U.S. Army Europe commander Lt. Gen. Mark P. Hertling has said he would attend the conference “to answer questions” and not as a participant.
During the past week, Hertling has been visiting German cities where U.S. troops are based to speak with soldiers and local German officials about expected changes in the Army’s posture in Europe. The Defense Department recently announced the withdrawal of two heavy Army brigades, expected to be the 172nd and 170th infantry regiments in the German cities Grafenwöhr and Baumholder, respectively.
More details about the changes are expected in the coming weeks, after the Obama administration releases its budget request for fiscal 2013 on Feb. 13.
In his opening comments, de Maizière noted that the German army, the Bundeswehr, is undergoing reform similar to the U.S. military, and for similar reasons. Last year, the Bundeswehr ended conscription.
De Maizière said of the American servicemembers who will remain stationed in the country, “each and every one of them is welcome.” The conference follows a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels, attended by Panetta, where much of the focus was Afghanistan and the time line for an end of combat in the country. While the Middle East will be a topic at the Munich conference, more attention is expected to fall on NATO coordination, missile defense and cybersecurity.
