NATO not against U.S. defense base in Czech Republic
www.chinaview.cn 2007-01-26 06:25:32

    PRAGUE, Jan. 25 (Xinhua) -- NATO is not against the possible deployment of the radar part of the U.S. missile defense system in the Czech Republic, the daily Pravo quoted Czech Ambassador to NATO Stefan Fuele as saying on Thursday.

    "The NATO leaders informed us in writing that our consultations and cooperation with the United States is compatible with the Alliance's plans to build a missile defense system both politically and technically," Fuele said.

    Fuele pointed out that accepting the U.S. plan is in line with the NATO commitments under which each member country is obliged to strengthen its own security and seek improved security of the whole Alliance, the paper reported.

    He thought that the building of part of U.S. defense umbrella in Europe has become a basis for NATO's own defense system, according to the Pravo.

    "The America's step to start building a European pillar of its system ended a number of speculations on Europe's side," he said.

    "The cheapest solution is a combination of the U.S. and NATO system, their integration," Fuele added.

    On the other hand, NATO could complement the U.S. defense umbrella with the system against tactical missiles, which it is developing with Russia.

    "This is undoubtedly a technological bridge that can enable Russia to take part in the project," Fuele said.

    The Czech National Security Council agreed on Wednesday to start talks with the United States on establishing a U.S. military radar system in the Czech republic. The same day, U.S. Ambassador to NATO Victoria Nuland told the Allies about the project. 

Editor: Mu Xuequan
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