This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/europe/6286289.stm
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Missile shield 'threatens Russia' | Missile shield 'threatens Russia' |
(about 4 hours later) | |
US plans to expand its embryonic missile defence shield to the Czech Republic and Poland are an "an obvious threat", Russia military officials say. | |
Poland has confirmed the US wants to negotiate the use of its territory to build part of its missile defence base. | |
On Sunday, the US asked permission from the Czech Republic and received the backing of Czech PM Mirek Topolanek. | |
Washington says it needs interceptor missiles in Europe to stop attacks by states like Iran or North Korea. | Washington says it needs interceptor missiles in Europe to stop attacks by states like Iran or North Korea. |
It hopes to build a radar station in the Czech Republic and to site interceptors in Poland. | It hopes to build a radar station in the Czech Republic and to site interceptors in Poland. |
Poland's Deputy Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski confirmed that Washington has approached Warsaw over the project and said: "We are now waiting for firm proposals." | |
It is very doubtful that elements of the national US missile defence system in eastern Europe were aimed at Iranian missiles Lt Gen Vladimir Popovkin,Russian space forces | |
But Moscow insists that the installation of US missiles in countries close to its western border would change the strategic balance in Europe. | |
Lt Gen Vladimir Popovkin, commander of Russia's space forces, said Moscow would interpret the move as a military threat. | Lt Gen Vladimir Popovkin, commander of Russia's space forces, said Moscow would interpret the move as a military threat. |
"Our analysis shows that the deployment of a radar station in the Czech Republic and a counter-missile position in Poland are an obvious threat to us. | "Our analysis shows that the deployment of a radar station in the Czech Republic and a counter-missile position in Poland are an obvious threat to us. |
"It is very doubtful that elements of the national US missile defence system in eastern Europe were aimed at Iranian missiles, as has been stated," he said. | "It is very doubtful that elements of the national US missile defence system in eastern Europe were aimed at Iranian missiles, as has been stated," he said. |
Moscow has warned of "negative consequences" if Prague agrees to host the missile system. | |
Political issues | Political issues |
Mr Topolanek, the Czech prime minister, has welcomed the US request. | Mr Topolanek, the Czech prime minister, has welcomed the US request. |
How missile defence works | |
"We are convinced that a possible deployment of the radar station on our territory is in our interest," he said at the weekend. | "We are convinced that a possible deployment of the radar station on our territory is in our interest," he said at the weekend. |
"It will increase security of the Czech Republic and Europe." | |
However, Mr Topolanek could face a struggle having the plans approved by both houses of the country's parliament. | However, Mr Topolanek could face a struggle having the plans approved by both houses of the country's parliament. |
His three-party, centre-right governing coalition recently won a vote of confidence, but controls just 100 of 200 seats in the lower house. | His three-party, centre-right governing coalition recently won a vote of confidence, but controls just 100 of 200 seats in the lower house. |
There is domestic opposition to the scheme in the Czech Republic, with reports that 200 protesters rallied against the missile defence plans in Prague on Monday. | There is domestic opposition to the scheme in the Czech Republic, with reports that 200 protesters rallied against the missile defence plans in Prague on Monday. |
The US has already built missile interceptor sites in Alaska and in California, but says it needs to expand into Europe to counter growing threats from further afield. | The US has already built missile interceptor sites in Alaska and in California, but says it needs to expand into Europe to counter growing threats from further afield. |
Previous version
1
Next version