Shortly enough the USA will start transferring the batteries of the Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems to Poland, the U.S. European Commander Admiral James Stavridis said during the hearings at the United States Senate Committee on Armed Services.
Naturally, two sovereign states have the right to decide what agreements and treaties they should sign. Respectively, the near-by countries are competent to react one way or another to their neighbours' moves. Therefore, it would be good to mention here that bringing the USA's and NATO's structures in close proximity to Russia's borders causes neither happiness nor approval on Russia's part.
Of course, the Patriot batteries will pose no danger to its security. But, as you know, an announcement was made long ago that following the deployment of the Patriot batteries, the U.S. ballistic SM-3 missiles will be deployed in Poland. It is also known that the USA has reached agreement with Romania on the deployment on its territory of the global NMD system elements. Washington has held talks on that score with Bulgaria too. The Pentagon also plans to deploy the anti-missiles in the water area of the two seas - the Mediterranean Sea and the North Sea. Besides, rumours were circulating that, possibly, the anti-missiles might appear in Georgia too. This is only one part of a wide-scale scheme, which was worked out in the USA.
Of particular concern for Russia is also the fact that the majority of the U.S. antimissiles will be deployed on Russia's borders. In view of what was mentioned earlier, it is absolutely clear that Moscow refuses to agree that all the USA's moves are planned for repulsing a mythical missile threat coming from Iran. Amid this background, it is becoming clear that all Washington's statements to the effect that it is ready for an open , confidential and equal cooperation with Russia in the military field and in the establishment of the European missile defence system are absolutely unconvincing. By the way, this was mentioned by Admiral Stavridis too. The USA's consent to include the two Russian radar stations - in Armavir and in Gabala in Azerbaijan - in the European missile defence system seems to be a certain concession to Moscow but a concession, made in the USA's interests. Russia also made a proposal to jointly study potential missile threats and to establish centres for the exchange of information in Moscow and Brussels. As it appears, the USA simply wants to use Russian technologies and to create a semblance of real partnership in this sensitive field.
Washington's approach to military cooperation is not to Russia's liking. And what is most unpleasant about it is the fact that the USA has stepped up its anti-missile activity in Europe exactly at a time when the talks on strategic arms reduction are coming to an end. And this is regretful enough - the more so as, judging by the facts, this package of problems remains a stumbling-block in the work to complete this document.
Please rate: