Iran deal obviates excuse for US missile system: Lavrov

Iran Press TV

Thu Dec 19, 2013 5:59PM GMT

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has reiterated that the implementation of a recent nuclear deal between Iran and the six world powers leaves no place for the deployment of a US missile system in Europe.

"Implementation of the Geneva agreement on Iran will remove the cause for construction of a missile shield in Europe," the Russian minister told a news conference during his visit to Poland on Thursday.

Lavrov was referring to the landmark nuclear accord struck between Tehran and the Sextet of world powers – the US, Britain, Russia, China, France and Germany – in Geneva on November 24. The deal is aimed at setting the stage for the full resolution of the West's dispute with Iran over Tehran's nuclear energy program.

The Russian minister further stated, "Everything indicates that full implementation of international deal with Iran will take a year," adding that the missile system poses a serious threat to global stability.

NATO is currently rolling out its new Europe-wide missile system, which will include two bases close to the Russian border in Romania and Poland. It is to be completed after 2020.

Moscow has long protested the placement of such bases along its borders, saying the aim of the Eastern European system is to encircle Russia. Washington, however, claims the bases are directed against an alleged potential threat from Iran.

In similar remarks, Lavrov told Russia's upper house of parliament on Wednesday that the resolution of Iran nuclear issue "will do away with the premise that explained the need for the deployment of missile defense in Europe."

On December 12, Russian President Vladimir Putin also voiced his strong opposition to NATO plans for the installation of a large-scale missile system in Europe and said, "We are well aware of the fact that missile shield is defensive solely in its name."

MKA/HMV/SS