Russian President says Russia may deploy missiles near EU borders
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Moscow, Nov 23, IRNA -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said on Wednesday that Russia will deploy missiles near the EU's borders if the US pursues its missile defence plans.
In a televised statement, he said 'radar missile warning system' could be deployed in Kaliningrad if Russia, the US and Nato failed to make a deal.
He said that Russia has the right to halt further disarmament and arms control efforts if it doesn’t reach an agreement with the US on the ABM issue.
The Russian President said that taking into account the fact that offensive and defensive weapons are closely interconnected, Russia may have legal grounds to walk out of the START-3 and this is stipulated by the Treaty.
'We will not participate in a program which may weaken our deterrence potential in 6-8 years. This program (European missile defense) has already been launched. Its implementation is gaining momentum in Poland, Romania, Turkey and Spain. And we are informed about it as an accomplished fact.
'We will certainly continue the missile defense dialogue with the United States and NATO, as we agreed with President Barack Obama during our recent meeting at the APEC summit in Honolulu where I again spelled out our concerns in a precise and clear-cut way. There still is time to achieve understanding. Russia has the political will to move towards agreements that could open a new chapter in our relations with the United States and NATO.
'If our partners are prepared to take into account Russia’s legitimate security interests in an honest and responsible way, I am sure we will manage to come to an agreement. But if we are offered to “cooperate” against our own interests, we will fail to find common ground. In this case, we will have to look for other options. We will build our actions depending on real developments at each new phase of the American plan.
'Therefore, I have made the following decisions:
3. I order the Ministry of Defense to deploy radar missile warning system in the city of Kaliningrad.
4. A strategic missile facilities shield will be the first to be strengthened as part of setting up Russia’s Air and Space defense system.
3. Russia’s Navy and strategic missiles troops will be equipped with a cutting-edge ABM penetration device and super efficient warheads.
4. I have ordered the country’s military to develop measures enabling the troops to destroy ABM control and information systems in the event of an attack. The abovementioned measures are relevant, efficient and low-cost,
5. If the abovementioned are not enough, Russia will deploy cutting –edge ballistic missile systems providing for total destruction of US ABMs in Europe. One of the measures will be deploying The 9K720 Iskander mobile theater ballistic missile system in a special area in Kaliningrad.
'Russia has the right to halt further disarmament and arms control efforts if it doesn’t reach an agreement with the US on the ABM issue.
'Taking into account the fact that offensive and defensive weapons are closely interconnected, Russia may have legal grounds to walk out of the START-3 and this is stipulated by the Treaty.
'I would like to emphasize that Russia is not shutting the door on the ABM dialogue with the US and NATO and on practical partnership in this area. Nevertheless, this can be reached only via creating a specific legal basis for such cooperation that will provide for the protection of Russia’s legitimate interests and concerns. We’re open for a dialogue. We’re counting on a reasonable and constructive approach from our western partners, President Medvedev said in his television address quoted by IRNA reporter in Moscow.
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Islamic Republic News Agency/IRNA NewsCode: 30678698
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