Latvia’s chief diplomat pursues NATO’s top job, saying a clear vision on Russia is needed
By LORNE COOK
Associated Press
BRUSSELS (AP) — Latvia’s foreign minister is staking a claim to the top job at NATO. Krisjanis Karins says NATO needs a consensus builder who is committed to defense spending and has a clear vision of how to handle Russia. NATO is likely to name a new secretary general at its next summit in Washington in July. Former Norwegian prime minister Jens Stoltenberg has been the alliance’s top civilian official since 2014. Most NATO countries had been keen to name a woman to the top post. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas is considered a strong candidate. Outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte is also a front runner.