Euro ABM against Iran?

The deployment of missile defense system elements in Europe (often referred to as Euro ABM) may turn out to be a preparation for a strike against Iran. An opinion to that effect was stated by Russia’s envoy to NATO Dmitry Rogozin in an interview with the Turkish media. He is currently on a visit to Ankara for NATO air defense shield talks with the Turkish authorities.

ABM is not a purely defensive system, authoritative experts in both Russia and the West argue. They believe that the US and NATO may really use their missile defense elements, being deployed in Europe to allegedly block the threat from Iran, for an attack against that country.

Efforts to build the shield are in full swing now, regardless of Russia’s talks with its US and European partners, Dmitry Rogozin pointed out. As for Turkey, Washington is currently negotiating the deployment of a missile warning system radar on its territory. The US already signed a similar agreement with Romania, as regards building a missile interceptor base near Bucharest. Shortly after that, the US Monterey guided missile cruiser entered the Black Sea waters. By 2018, Washington plans to install its informative and fire units in a number of other European countries. In Poland, for one, they are going to open an interceptor base to be later equipped with new missile modifications capable of reaching Russia thanks to their altitude and range. This is what the NATO envoy said in an interview with the Voice of Russia:

“We assume that the United States, the initiator of the European Missile Defense project, should not be creating additional risks, while addressing the issue of missile changes, especially for such great powers as Russia. We shouldn’t sense the danger to our strategic nuclear potential because of this project,” Mr. Rogozin said.

According to the diplomat, Russia’s American colleagues “try to put a basis for missile defense plans by demonizing the Iranian missile program.” However, he said, Russia maintains permanent contacts with Tehran and is aware of its missile projects.

Despite all controversies, Russia does not retract its proposals. Moscow is always ready to cooperate if its interests are considered, Dmitry Rogozin continues.

“What we propose is to cooperate on missile defense, because Russia could be a very high-level, very valuable partner, having technical capabilities and the geographical location to be an integral part of the overall missile defense shield in Europe. And if we are treated in a more partner-like way then we see that there are more benefits than disadvantages,” the ambassador stressed.

Negotiations held by Russia’s NATO envoy are based on President Dmitry Medvedev’s message to leaders of the alliance’s member states on ABM issues. Moscow has repeatedly voiced its stand: European security may be only ensured by a joint air defense system involving, among others, the Russian side as well. Such an approach is all the more relevant given that only the US and Russia possess ABM systems today.

Source: Voice Of Russia