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Russia issues new missile threat | Russia issues new missile threat |
(about 2 hours later) | |
Russia has raised the idea of moving new missile forces to Kaliningrad, close to Poland and Lithuania. | |
First Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov linked the possible move to US plans for a missile defence system in Poland and the Czech Republic. | First Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov linked the possible move to US plans for a missile defence system in Poland and the Czech Republic. |
Russia has already threatened to hit back by targeting missiles at Europe. | Russia has already threatened to hit back by targeting missiles at Europe. |
Mr Ivanov said there would be no need to move extra forces to Kaliningrad if the US agreed to use Russian facilities instead of the Polish and Czech bases. | Mr Ivanov said there would be no need to move extra forces to Kaliningrad if the US agreed to use Russian facilities instead of the Polish and Czech bases. |
Russia says the US plans for a limited missile defence shield, including bases close to Russia's borders, represent a threat to its security. | Russia says the US plans for a limited missile defence shield, including bases close to Russia's borders, represent a threat to its security. |
If our proposals are not accepted... an asymmetrical and effective response has been found Sergei IvanovFirst deputy prime minister It has proposed that the US should use a radar facility in Azerbaijan, and another installation currently being built in southern Russia. | |
US President George W Bush has described the idea as "innovative" but indicated that the US will press ahead with the plans for a radar station in the Czech Republic, and a missile base in Poland. | US President George W Bush has described the idea as "innovative" but indicated that the US will press ahead with the plans for a radar station in the Czech Republic, and a missile base in Poland. |
The US says its missile shield is not directed at Russia, but at what it considers "rogue states" such as Iran. | |
'Effective response' | |
"If our proposals are accepted, the need will disappear for Russia to deploy new missile weaponry in the European part of the country, including in Kaliningrad Region," Mr Ivanov said, on a visit to Uzbekistan. | "If our proposals are accepted, the need will disappear for Russia to deploy new missile weaponry in the European part of the country, including in Kaliningrad Region," Mr Ivanov said, on a visit to Uzbekistan. |
How defence system works | |
"After this, you will forget about the term 'Cold War'. It will simply disappear. There simply won't be cause for speaking of it," he added. | |
"If our proposals are not accepted - and I cannot rule that out... an asymmetrical and effective response has been found." | "If our proposals are not accepted - and I cannot rule that out... an asymmetrical and effective response has been found." |
Mr Ivanov is a former defence minister, and his current brief includes overall control of the defence sector. He is also seen as a possible successor to President Putin. | |
Correspondents say Mr Ivanov's comments indicate that US hopes of toning down Russia's Cold War-style rhetoric by hosting a relaxed weekend meeting between President Vladimir Putin and Mr Bush in Maine have not borne fruit. | Correspondents say Mr Ivanov's comments indicate that US hopes of toning down Russia's Cold War-style rhetoric by hosting a relaxed weekend meeting between President Vladimir Putin and Mr Bush in Maine have not borne fruit. |