The US expects Iceland to remain a member of NATO, despite the country’s decision not to resume negotiations on joining the European Union.
According to Report, this was stated in a written statement by Tommy Pigott, the US State Department’s press secretary, published on 30 August.
“We respect the sovereign decision of the Icelandic people and are confident that Iceland will continue to be a strong and valued NATO ally and a close partner to the US and Europe,” Pigott said.
He added that Washington intends to strengthen its partnership with Iceland in all areas, including security and energy.
A referendum on resuming negotiations on EU accession took place in Iceland on 29 August. According to the RUV broadcasting company, more than 52 per cent of voters opposed the resumption of the negotiation process.
Opponents of EU accession argued that this could lead to a curtailment of the country’s sovereignty and the imposition of restrictions on fishing. Iceland’s Prime Minister, Kristún Frostadóttir, stated that the current government would not initiate a new referendum on this issue.
Iceland first applied for EU membership in 2009, but in 2013 the government suspended the process. Iceland is a member of the Schengen Area and the European Economic Area.
