Tensions rise over US missile shield deal

Updated 07.14 Wed Jul 09 2008
Keywords: czech republic, Russia, missile shield, US

Tension is rising between Washington and Moscow after a controversial deal was finalised for the US to build missile shields in the Czech Republic.

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said the shield was a good deal for the Czech Republic and Poland, where the US hopes to place another part of the system.

"We've made the point to our Russian colleagues that we all face the threat from states like Iran that continue to pursue missiles of ever longer range, and we must be in a position to respond" - Condoleezza Rice

She said: "I think this truly is a landmark agreement, it is an agreement that is befitting for friends and allies who face a common threat in the 21st century and wish to address it through the application of the best defensive technologies that we can bring to bear."

Dr Rice said the next US President would have to decide whether and how to go forward with the missile defence system while claiming the perceived threat from Iran was growing.

She also reiterated that the missile defence system was of benefit to "us all", including Russia, which is deeply opposed to the US plan.

"We've made the point to our Russian colleagues that we all face the threat from states like Iran that continue to pursue missiles of ever longer range, and we must be in a position to respond," she said.

Moscow has called it an affront to its sovereignty and a potential threat and said it would aim its own missiles at any eventual base.

Demonstrations against the shield have taken place in Prague where around 1,000 gathered in Wenceslas Square.

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