US Missile Defense Plan Necessary for European Security – Czech PM
Leaders of Central and Eastern Europe gathered in the Czech city of Brno last weekend to discuss a planned U.S. anti-missile defense system in the region and the future status of Kosoovo. Meanwhile, thousands took to the streets in Prague to protest the U.S. proposal to deploy its missile defense facilities in Europe.
The annual summit began last Friday, bringing together presidents of Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania, Serbia, and Slovakia. Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko canceled his trip to the summit to tend to the political turmoil in his country, and the presidents of Germany and Slovenia also bowed out this year.
The summit briefly touched upon issues ranging from energy supplies and ties with Russia and the question of the future of Serbia’s breakaway province of Kosovo.
Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek told the summit that the defense system, parts of which the United States wants to deploy in the Czech Republic and Poland, is vital to Europe’s security. “The defense of Europe against missiles from some states and organizations is a necessary step which will significantly increase our security and also the security of our European allies and neighbors,” Mirek Topolanek said.
The U.S. made a formal request in January to place a radar base in the Czech Republic and 10 interceptor missiles in neighboring Poland as part of a planned global missile defense shield. The proposal has enraged Russia which says it could trigger a new arms race.
Czech President Vaclav Klaus suggested that other European countries also should have a say in the issue. He also added that it is necessary to try to find common ground with Russia over the issue. “We all are interested in a dialogue and cooperation with Russia,” said Vaclav Klaus, who is know for his opposition to the defense plan.
On Saturday, some two thousand people rallied in the Czech capital of Prague to protest the missile proposal. Organizers of the rally promised to stage another demonstration on June 4 when U.S. President George Bush visits the city.
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All the Article in Russian as of May 28, 2007
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