BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

07/08/2008

Russia May Base Bombers in Belarus to Counter U.S.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

MINSK, Belarus - Russia could base bombers and missiles in neighboring Belarus in response to U.S. missile defense plans in eastern Europe, Moscow's ambassador to Minsk said Aug. 6, according to Russian news agencies.

"We could be talking about the possible basing of Iskander missiles, the possible basing of strategic bombers in Belarus, Kaliningrad and so on," the ambassador, Alexander Surikov, was quoted by Interfax as saying. "When Poland signs the agreement with the American side about hosting elements of the missile defense system, then we can discuss some additional aspects of military-technical cooperation with Belarus."

He added, "We will counter the deployment of [a] missile defense system in Poland. We have to judge the situation. We will counter the way we have to. But this excludes the return of nuclear weapons to Belarus."

Russia has vowed a firm response to U.S. plans to base interceptor missiles in Poland and a radar system in the Czech Republic as part of a defense system that Washington said is aimed at countering a missile threat from Iran.

Russian officials and military top brass said the U.S. missile system is based too close to its borders and is, in fact, aimed at undermining Russia's nuclear deterrent, but they have so far not detailed what the response will be.

Source:

http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?c=AME&s=TOP&i=3661583

Google
 


Partners:
Face.by Social Network
Face.by