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Poland Agrees to Host US Missile System

Russia opposes controversial defense shield

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 14, 2008 4:27 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Poland and the US signed a preliminary agreement to install US interceptor missiles on Polish soil today, the Telegraph reports. The move is widely seen as a response to Russian aggression in Georgia, a notion buttressed by the Polish prime minister. “The events in the Caucasus show clearly that such security guarantees are indispensable,” said Donald Tusk. Talks have been ongoing for a year.

The US says the missile defense system, which would work in tandem with a radar system in the Czech Republic, is designed to prevent missile strikes from rogue nations such as Iran. Russia adamantly opposes it, but one analyst says Moscow's advances in Georgia have spooked former Iron Curtain nations. “There's a feeling…that the tanks could roll over their borders too. There's a certain urgency now.”

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin visited one of Russia's biggest arms manufacturers, Almaz-Antei, which produces the new S-400 missile defense system.
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin visited one of Russia's biggest arms manufacturers, Almaz-Antei, which produces the new S-400 missile defense system.   (AP Photo)
Putin inspects defense missiles.
Putin inspects defense missiles.   (AP Photo)
Lockheed Martin's Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system in action.
Lockheed Martin's Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system in action.   (AP Photo)
U.S. negotiator John Rood, left, and Polish negotiator Andrzej Kremer exchange documents detailing an initial agreement for placing a U.S. missile defense base in Poland.
U.S. negotiator John Rood, left, and Polish negotiator Andrzej Kremer exchange documents detailing an initial agreement for placing a U.S. missile defense base in Poland.   (AP Photo)
Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski, right, and chief U.S. negotiator John Rood speak to the press after an initial agreement placing a U.S. missile defense base in Poland was signed.
Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski, right, and chief U.S. negotiator John Rood speak to the press after an initial agreement placing a U.S. missile defense base in Poland was signed.   (AP Photo)
Condoleezza Rice and the Czech Republic's Minister of Foreign Affairs Karel Schwarzenberg toast after signing a preliminary missile defense agreement.
Condoleezza Rice and the Czech Republic's Minister of Foreign Affairs Karel Schwarzenberg toast after signing a preliminary missile defense agreement.   (AP Photo)
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
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Just a month ago, a big snag
Daily Star (Lebanon)

And before that, the candidates were muddying the waters
Fox News

The EU's interested in Georgia, but what will it do with Poland?
Associated Press

World • US

 
Russia • Poland • Georgia • United States • missile defense system • treaty • ballistic missile program

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