Iceland withholds answers to US questionnaire

Icelandic authorities are not disclosing their responses to a questionnaire sent by the United States to NATO governments, mbl.is reports.

The questions reportedly concern governments’ positions on US foreign policy, spending on purchases from US defence manufacturers and restrictions placed on the use of military bases by the United States.

Authorities in several European countries have viewed the questionnaire as an attempt to bring European nations closer to the United States ideologically in exchange for American protection.

The United States is reviewing its military presence in Europe, with the work expected to be completed in December. The outcome could involve a significant reduction in the US presence on the continent and in its potential readiness to respond to an attack.

In a response to mbl.is, Iceland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs said that active consultations on long term preparedness were taking place between NATO and the United States. The ministry said the document was part of communications between Iceland and the United States based on mutual trust and that the records could therefore not be released.

Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir was among NATO leaders who met and spoke with US President Donald Trump at a NATO meeting this summer.

Growing tensions in Europe

The article also describes a series of recent developments that have raised concerns about Russia testing the unity of NATO countries. US intelligence agencies recently warned allies about possible actions ranging from cyberattacks to minor acts of aggression.

German and European Union authorities have said that a drone carrying explosives found near an airport in Leipzig was Russian. Denmark has warned that Russia is preparing acts of sabotage, while Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has said he cannot rule out Russia challenging one of NATO’s member states.

Explosives were also found near a coal plant in Germany, and German authorities sought the closure of a Russian cultural centre in Berlin that was believed to house Russian espionage activity. The article said the questionnaire had not helped ease the tensions in Europe.