Russia offers anti-missile proposals for Europe

Russia has developed specific proposals on the creation of European non-strategic missile defence system. Those proposals are to be presented to George Robertson, NATO’s secretary general, during his visit to Moscow on February 19-21, Col. Gen. Leonid Ivashov, Russia’s Defence Ministry spokesman is quoted by Interfax as saying. According to him, if a nuclear threat cannot be averted by peaceful means, "simulation of an inexpensive European non-strategic missile defence system could be started.” So, “a mobile anti-missile rapid deployment force capable of being stationed in various regions could be part of that system," Gen. Ivashov said. He criticized US plans of deploying part of its strategic missile defence system on the European continent. Should such a system is deployed in Europe, Russia will regard this as "the first echelon of intercepting Russian strategic missiles.” To put it in other words, the Americans would have Europe shielding the United States and protecting its own national interests," Gen. Ivashov added.