US ambassador to Norway, Benson K.Whitney, has asked Norway to increase its defence budget, and to send special forces to Afghanistan.
Ambassador Whitney said this in a speach to the Oslo Military Association Monday evening.
- Norway ranks 14th of the NATO member nations when it comes to allocating funds to defence, considering the Gross National Product (GNP).
- I ask that Norway. as one of the richest NATO countries, set a good example and increase its defence funding to NATO's goal of 2 per cent, Whitney said.
The US ambassador also stated that he would like to see Norway sending special forces to Southern Afghanistan.
- I regard Norway's decision to not send special forces to Afghanistan as an exception to the leadership role Norway has traditionally played in NATO, the US ambassador said.
