Russia says concerned over NATO's anti-missile system plans
Iran Press TV
Tue Apr 23, 2013 10:35PM GMT
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Moscow remains concerned over the United States and NATO's new plans to build an anti-missile system around Western Europe.
'We are studying the proposals conveyed by the American side to us to further deepen the dialogue on missile defense cooperation. We are studying these proposals and the current developments and plans of the United States in this field,' Lavrov told a news conference at NATO headquarters in Brussels.
'We are ready for dialogue but cooperation could be only equitable, with clear-cut guarantees' that the system would not be used against Russia, Lavrov said.
He said that he discussed the issue with NATO ministers, including his US counterpart John Kerry at meetings in Brussels.
The Pentagon said last month it would station additional missile interceptors in Alaska in response to North Korean threats.
At the same time, it promised to give up a new type of interceptor planned for Europe.
The missile deployment had caused most concern to Moscow, which believes it could be used against Russian interest.
The US plan for a missile system in Europe has been a bone of contention since former President George W. Bush's tenure.
One the one hand, American critics said the plan was rushed and based on unproven technology. Russia, on the other hand, expressed concern that the plan sought to counter Russian missiles and undermine its nuclear deterrent power.
GJH/AS
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