John Kerry on defensive at Brunei conference over spying claims
Allegations that US targeted European and Asian allies put secretary of state in awkward position at security conference
US Secretary of State John Kerry was put on the defensive at an Asean security conference yesterday amid claims of widespread spying that also targeted non-European allies including Japan, South Korea and India.
The latest allegations put America's top diplomat in an awkward position as he arrived in Brunei, with the European countries already demanding answers after claims the US had spied on the EU and European embassies in America.
Kerry said nearly all national governments, not just the United States, used "lots of activities" to safeguard their interests and security. He also confirmed that EU High Representative Catherine Ashton had raised the issue in a meeting with him in Brunei but gave no details of their exchange. He said he had yet to see details of the newspaper allegations.
"I will say that every country in the world that is engaged in international affairs and national security undertakes lots of activities to protect its national security and all kinds of information contributes to that. All I know is that is not unusual for lots of nations," Kerry said.
I will say that every country in the world that is engaged in international affairs and national security undertakes lots of activities to protect its national security and all kinds of information contributes to that. All I know is that is not unusual for lots of nations
Revelations about the US surveillance programme, made public by Edward Snowden, have raised a furore in the United States and abroad over the balance between privacy rights and national security.