BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

29/06/2007

Belarus deems U.S. missile defense system in east Europe unnecessary

There is no need for the United States to deploy components of its missile defense system in east Europe, Belarussian Foreign Minister Sergei Martynov said in Minsk on Thursday.

"We believe that there is no objective need for advanced deployment of missile defense components in east Europe," Martynov was quoted by the Interfax news agency as saying, after talks with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.

"Belarus believes that reorganization of missile defense elements in Europe would be unnecessary," he said.

"We hope those who have been promoting this plan will assume a reasonable position and will not take destabilizing steps," he added.

Russia remains Belarus' "most important, strategic partner," Martynov said.

"Europe does not need these facilities whether in terms of geography or geometry," Lavrov said.

The United States plans to deploy missile interceptors in Poland and radar units in the Czech Republic as part of a project to extend the missile defense system in Europe. Russia has voiced strong opposition to the plan.

Source:

http://english.people.com.cn/200706/29/eng20070629_388577.html