Russia's FM: Europe Should Stop US Anti-Missile Scheme

World | April 11, 2007, Wednesday // 00:00

Russian foreign minister took a staunch stance against US plans for an anti-missile shield in Europe, arguing it would alter the continent's geo-strategic landscape.

In an article for the Financial Times Sergey Lavrov assured that Russia is ready to take part in any discussions at all levels and in any format.

"We favour an integrated approach to solving the problems of the Euro-Atlantic region -- in a trilateral format, including Russia, the EU and the U.S." Such a move would strengthen the transatlantic bond in an inclusive way, said Lavrov.

The United States wants to build a radar station in the Czech Republic and a missile battery in Poland to defend against possible missile attacks from what it calls "rogue states" such as Iran or North Korea.

"We are convinced that no such threat exists for Europe or the US today, or in the foreseeable future," Lavrov claims, arguing that no "rogue states" have missiles that would pose a real threat to Europe. "The construction of missiles capable of reaching the U.S. is an even harder task," Lavrov wrote.

"Should imaginary constructs get in the way of the flourishing trilateral efforts of Russia, the EU and the U.S. to solve real problems in the Middle East, the crisis in Iraq and Afghanistan and Iran's nuclear programme? It is these problems that really threaten our continent's security."

As for Russia's position on the US anti-missile plan, he wrote: "For us -- and for many others in Europe -- it is unacceptable for anyone to use the continent as their own strategic territory. Any unilateral anti-missile projects would fundamentally alter the continent's geo-strategic landscape."

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