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| The planned U.S. missile defense system at the Black Sea causes concern in Russia (Photo: TV) | |
Donnerstag, 09.06.2011
Russia in new dispute with NATO over missile shield
Moscow. NATO will not give any legally binding guarantees to Russia over the missile shield project. Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov threatens the military alliance with a new arms race.
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The NATO - Russia summit at Ministerial level ends in failure: NATO rejects Russia's proposals and demands, Moscow is outraged.
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Missile defence a matter of dispute for years
For years, both sides are arguing over the missile shield project in Eastern Europe. Most recently, the US had suggested Romania, at the Black Sea, as a location. Russia views this as a violation of the military balance and therefore a threat to its own safety.
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Therefore, Moscow asked for legally binding guaranties, that the missile shield project would not be directed against Russia. At the same time the Kremlin offered to divide the responsibilities by area. Russia could take over a part of the missile defense for NATO countries and with this, guarantee a connection between the two systems, was offered.
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NATO is not interested in Moscow's proposals
But NATO is not interested in this, "I made it clear, that NATO cannot ensure its safety by means of external sources. When a country joins the alliance, they count on the alliance guaranteeing its safety, in accordance with article 5 of the Washington agreement," says NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen.
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The Dane won't give any legal safety with regards to the missile project. The best guarantee for Russia is to participate in open and sincere cooperation, making it possible to achieve the necessary level of mutual trust, explained Rasmussen. He had made it clear to Russia that NATO does not constitute a threat to Russia, he emphasized.
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Russia warns of arms race
But after this harsh rejection of Moscow's suggestions in Brussels, Defence Minister Anatoly Serdyukov has no faith in these assurances. We did not get positive or clear answers. Our fears have not been dispelled, he said.
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NATO still constitutes of two separate missile defense systems, he complained. This would mean that Europe's missile shield systems would be at the same level as Russia's by 2020. In this situation, Russia would be forced to seek new ways to counteract these systems which would lead to a new arms race, warned Serdyukov.
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Dialogue will continue
However large Moscow's disappointment, we will not stop the dialogue, expressed Serdyukov. There are a number of NATO members who understand Russia's position, said the minister.
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After all, the cooperation between NATO and Russia is actively developing in other areas. Not that long ago, Russian submarines participated in a joint military exercise off the Spanish coast.
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