Albania-Americans concerned, write letter to President Trump

The letter, signed by New York City Council member Mark Gjonaj and representatives of 10 Albanian-American organisations, refers to comments made in an interview with Mr. Trump with the commentator at the Fox News channel, Carson Tucker, where the president questioned whether the US would adhere to Article 5 of the NATO Treaty for mutual protection and where Montenegro and Albania, the Kohanets, were mentioned.

The letter says that Mr. Trump's response to that interview speaks of a fundamental misunderstanding of the history of the region and of America's priceless role in preserving peace.

If you speak to an Albanian, in America or abroad, ʹ it says on paper, you will notice a deep sense of love and respect for the United States and the meaning that their role as leader of the free world. ”

The collective protection agreement, says the letter, has made the world not on the brink of another world war.

The letter expresses regret that comments about NATO and the very aggressive “of Montenegro” question the moral leadership of America, at a time when, as it says, the world needs it more than ever.

The question of Mr. Trump's comments to Montenegro appeared again Wednesday during the Senate's session of Foreign Relations Commission with Secretary of State Mike Pompeii, who did not care for comments expressed in the interview and said President Trump's policy has been clear outside any doubt.

President Trump has often criticised other NATO members over their financial contribution to the alliance, saying the US holds most of the burden.

NATO, founded in 1949 to stem the Soviet Union's military threat, is based on the military supremacy of the United States to face a host of threats at Europe's borders, including Russia.

The commitment to mutual protection is the pillar of the NATO alliance.