US Missile Defence Shield: Czech Rep Agreement "Close"
Following Armed Forces International's recent coverage of the most up-to-date events regarding Poland's stance on hosting elements of the US Missile Defence Shield, news on the current position of the Czech Republic has now emerged.
On the 27th February, the Czech Republic said it was "close" to an agreement with the US. According to Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek, speaking after discussions held with US President George W. Bush, there existed "only three words remaining to resolve" before establishing a deal.
He continued: "Sometimes one word matters a lot, and sometimes an agreement might fail because of one word, but this is not the case. These are just minor details, I'm sure we are going to finalize it soon."
Topolanek did not elaborate on the "three words" referred to, but did state that the disagreement "actually relates to environmental protection and the standards that should be adopted."
In comments made at the same time, President Bush highlighted the complicated nature of attaining accord on such matters, but emphasised that there was a "will to get it done".
He added: "These aren't easy agreements to put in place."
Rader for Czech Rep, Missiles Interceptors for Poland
Present plans see the Czech Republic hosting a radar facility, while Poland will boast 10 missile interceptors. The US wants to set the shield up to thwart attacks from so-termed "rogue" states.
Russia has repeatedly criticised the shield and all it stands for, at one point threatening to direct missiles at it. In 2007, Russian President Vladimir Putin likened the proposed deterrent to the 1960s-era Cuban missile crisis, during which time Russia and the US came close to all-out nuclear conflict.
Radar Vital to Czech Security: PM
Speaking prior to meeting Bush, Topolanek had described the radar as vital to Czech security.
"This is not an issue of one radar installation... it primarily concerns an utterance of free will to defend ourselves", he said, adding: "Our civilisation will end if we lack the will to defend ourselves."
Finally, he commented on Russia.
"We do not want to belong again to the sphere of Russian influence", he said.
"We do not want to belong to a group of countries which have to ask Russia for permission if they want to ensure their own defence."
Source - Armed Forces International's East European Correspondent
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