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Czech president cites radar as means of cementing US relations
Prague (AFP) Oct 28, 2007 Czech President Vaclav Klaus called for relations with the United States to be strengthened in a keynote speech on Sunday, indicating that a proposed US anti-missile radar it wants to site in the country could be one means of doing so. Klaus, speaking on the 89th anniversary of the founding of the former Czechoslovakia, said it was in Prague's interest that the US partnership "is strengthened and given a firm substance." "An example could be today's debate about the Amercian radar base in our country which reflects this problem very clearly: we must find the right "cement" for this partnership and in doing so consider where are...the threats in today's world," Klaus continued. His indirect backing for the radar follows a furore in the former Soviet bloc country after US Secretary of State Robert Gates suggested on a visit last week that a Russian presence could be accepted at the radar to ease hostility from Moscow. Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek was forced to make clear that observers but no Russian soldiers might be allowed. Washington wants to site the radar in the Czech Republic and interceptor missiles in neighbouring Poland to counter a threat from "rogue" states such as Iran. In a wide sweep of Czech foreign relations, Klaus highlighted problems with Austria over its opposition to the Temelin nuclear power plant and some German politicians raising questions linked to World War II, in particular the expulsion of ethnic Germans from former Czechoslovakia. Czechs are using every opportunity to explain their position but "we must know how to resolutely defend them," he said. "We need and will need electric power. We must produce it with the means we have at our disposition...nuclear power is one of these," he said. "It is impossible to relive history. To abuse it for current political goals is unacceptable ... and very risky for friendly relations in Europe," Klaus added. Vienna has frequently raised questions about the safety risk of the problem-prone Temelin reactor, sited not far the Czech-Austrian border, with Austrian anti-nuclear protesters calling for it to be shut down. Related Links Learn about missile defense at SpaceWar.com Learn about nuclear weapons doctrine and defense at SpaceWar.com All about missiles at SpaceWar.com Learn about the Superpowers of the 21st Century at SpaceWar.com
Outside View: Russia's missile options
Moscow (UPI) Oct 26, 2007 The situation around the proposed deployment of a missile defense system in Europe and the threat of a Russian moratorium on the Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty can be traced to the ambitions and a reluctance of the sides to understand each other. |
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