US Missile Defence Shield: Poland Agrees “In Principle”
On the 11th January 2008, Armed Forces International reported on the latest developments to emerge regarding Poland and the Czech Republic’s standpoints on the US Missile Defence Shield. At the time, both nations said that they were in no hurry to finalise terms on the shield’s implementation.
Over the weekend of the 2nd/3rd February, however, it became known that Poland has now progressed towards establishing a deal with the US, whereby it would play host to interceptor missiles.
Rice: US will Back Polish Military Modernisation
Said progression came through US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice’s assertion that Washington would back the modernisation of Poland’s air defences. Specific information on the measures discussed is not known, but it seems likely that the announcement will deepen tensions with Russia, which has vehemently opposed the shield’s installation.
Late in 2007, Russia threatened to launch nuclear missiles at the Polish/Czech sites intended to form a part of the shield.
Missile Defence Shield’s Construction Could Begin this Year
The weekend’s announcement will likely fuel the US’ plans to get the shield’s construction underway this year.
"We understand that there is a desire for defence modernisation in Poland, and particularly for air defence modernisation in Poland”, Ms Rice stated.
"This is something that we support because it will make our ally, Poland, more capable, it will make Poland... more able to operate with us."
Foreign Minister: Missile Shield Discussions Unfinished
According to Poland’s Foreign Minister, Radek Sikorski, discussions on the shield remain ongoing.
"We are not at the end of the road as regards negotiations”, he said.” We are in the middle of the road. We have an agreement in principle."
It is understood that Donald Tusk, the Prime Minister of Poland, will journey to the White House next month. His visit, said Ms Rice, could lead to the two countries progressing the deal further.
If/when the deal is struck, Poland parliamentary approval would need to be granted, while the financial aspects would need approval from US Congress.
Source – Armed Forces International’s European Correspondent
Recent Related News Items:
US Missile Defence Shield -
US Missile Defence Shield: Poland/Czech Rep. Cautious
US Missile Defence Shield Will Go Ahead
Russia Reconsiders US Missile Defence Shield
US Assess Russian Radar Site for Missile Defence Shield
President Putin: New Radar Site is "First Step"
UK to Host Part of US Missile Defence Shield
Poland Agrees to US Missile Defence Shield
Other News:
Polish Military -
Polish Air Force C-295 Transport Aircraft Crashes
Czech Military -
