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3 June 2007 |
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http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/06/03/europe/... |
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See also: other related news items. MOSCOW: Russia wants to resume cooperation with NATO partners on developing defenses against short-range missiles as an alternative to U.S. plans to install a strategic missile defense system in Eastern Europe, the foreign minister said Sunday. Washington says the missile shield, which it plans to build in Poland and the Czech Republic, is needed to counter a potential danger from nations such as Iran and that it poses no threat to Russia. Russian officials, however, have repeatedly rejected U.S. assurances, saying that the system could be used to target Russia. "Our analysis is open, understandable and honest and I hope that our American partners will take our arguments seriously," Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in comments broadcast on the Rossiya channel. "And our arguments clearly show that it is pointless to defend oneself against non-existing threats." Moscow also says the planned system threatens peace and stability on the continent. Lavrov urged NATO partners to cooperate instead on developing the so-called theater missile defense, which is intended to fend off attacks by short- and medium-range missiles, and not intercontinental ballistic missiles. "It is better to resume work in the framework of Russia-NATO on creating theater missile defense," Lavrov said. NATO hopes to develop the short-range missile defense system by 2016. NATO and Russia have been holding consultations on Russia's participation in the project, but no agreement has been reached. Moscow hopes the creation of a joint system using Russian equipment would be a boost to its military industry and a way of bolstering ties with NATO to counter U.S. influence in Europe. In October, Russia's top military officer asked whether Russia would participate in the project and said he would raise the issue at a Russia-NATO meeting last November. NATO allies have also been studying the possibility of jointly developing a strategic missile defense shield since 2004, but the talks have been bogged down by differences on costs and effectiveness. The United States, meanwhile, has pushed ahead with its own system, fearful of advances in missile technology by potentially hostile states. |
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