NATO Chief: Let's Combine US, Russian Missile Defenses

By John Johnson, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 18, 2009 6:38 AM CDT

(Newser) – One day after the US decided to scrap a missile-defense system that Russia opposed, NATO wants to make relations with Moscow even cozier. Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen proposed combining Russia's anti-missile defenses with those of NATO and the US, Reuters reports. He pitched it as a shared interest: "If North Korea stays nuclear and if Iran becomes nuclear, some of their neighbors might feel compelled to follow their example," he said in Brussels.

"I would like Russia and NATO to agree to carry out a joint review of the new 2st-century security challenges, to serve as a firm basis for our future cooperation," Rasmussen said. "We should explore the potential for linking the US, NATO, and Russian missile defense systems at an appropriate time."

NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen speaks in Brussels Friday. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)

NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen makes his opening remarks at the Concert Noble in Brussels. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Russia • NATO • anti missile bases • missile defense system • Anders Fogh Rasmussen • NATO Secretary-General

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Russia Threatens to Aim Missiles at NATO Shield

Medvedev also says he'll back out of the START treaty

NATO at Odds on When to Stop Bombing Libya

US pushing to continue the air campaign for now

Putin: We'll Use 'Strike Forces' Against Missile Shield

Russian PM even warns of 'new nuclear technologies'

Medvedev: 'New Arms Race' Looms

Russian leader says new missile deal essential

NATO, US See Lengthy Stay in Afghanistan

Combat operations might end in 2004, followed by support mission

About Us

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Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

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More News

What is Newser?