U.S. seals missile deal with Poland

Argentina News.Net
Wednesday 20th August, 2008

The United States and Poland have sealed an agreement Wednesday to place elements of a U.S. missile shield in Poland.

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski signed the document in Warsaw, a day after Poland's cabinet formally approved it. Under the deal, 10 U.S. interceptor missiles will be placed within Polish borders.

U.S. officials say the missile defense shield - which also includes radar based in the Czech Republic - is to protect Europe from a possible attack by rogue states.

Russian officials have said they believe the system is aimed at Russia.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said last week that the recent conflict between Russia and Georgia led the U.S. to agree to Polish demands for greater military cooperation.

Polish President Lech Kaczynski said Tuesday in an address to the nation that the anti-missile shield is purely defensive and not aimed at any country. U.S. and Polish officials insist the system in no way threatens Russia.

The Czech Republic has agreed to accept radar stations for the system.

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