Mon Feb 19, 2007
Polish and Czech leaders defend U.S. missile shield
WARSAW (Reuters) - Polish and Czech leaders spoke on Monday in favor of allowing the United States to use their territory for parts of an anti-missile defense system that has raised Russian ire, saying it would also protect Europe.
The two NATO and European Union members are not expected to make a formal response for a few weeks to the U.S. request, which most Poles and several Czech opposition parties oppose.
In a joint article published by Polish daily Rzeczpospolita, Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek and his counterpart Jaroslaw Kaczynski rejected criticism that the shield would offer protection only to the United States.
"Having in mind the security not only of our countries but the whole of Europe, the governments of Poland and the Czech Republic are seriously considering the offer," they said.
"Joining the missile defense system will serve as passive protection from attacks ... for all members of the transatlantic community."
The United States has asked the two states to host elements of the multi-billion dollar global defense system designed to counter missiles potentially fired by "rogue states".
The plan to involve the two former Soviet-dominated countries has angered Russia, which said it would distort the post-Cold War balance of power in Europe.
rying to prevent the move, Moscow has threatened to install medium-range ballistic missiles close to Poland
Germany has also criticized the United States for failing to inform Russia and neighboring countries of details of the plan beforehand.
Warsaw and Prague say helping with the shield will tie Washington's interest to the region, but that they will also present a list of demands of what they want in return.
reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSL1918058420070219