US allies express concern over resignation of Pentagon chief

The unexpected resignation of US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis is raising concerns among key allies of the United States of America reports say.

According to sources in the know, Mattis has been seen in Europe as firmly committed to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) military alliance, unlike his ex-boss.

Reacting to his resignation, former Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt, said his stepping down only made it more urgent for the European Union to push on with its plans to bolster its own defence capabilities.

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“Mattis checked President Trump’s worst instincts & was a strong supporter of NATO & multilateralism. His departure is bad news & makes it look like (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s plan is being delivered on,” Verhofstadt said on Twitter.

Mattis said he was stepping down from President Donald Trump’s administration, citing policy difference for his decision.

Reports say Mattis who will leave by the end of February after two tumultuous years in the post, told Trump after his decision that “you have the right to have a defence chief whose views are better aligned with yours”.

In his resignation letter, emphasised the importance of standing up for US allies – an implicit criticism of the president’s decision on this issue and others.

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