US may seek locations in Azerbaijan for its missile shield - senator
The United States may consider seeking a location in
Azerbaijan for its missile defense systems, a senior US lawmaker
has said.
Senator Richard Lugar told Russian Echo Moskvi radio station that Washington should consider specific areas for basing its missile shield facilities and radars.
According to Lugar, Russia should be granted an opportunity to monitor the missile defense system that the U.S. will base in the Czech Republic and Poland. "Moscow`s reaction is not that positive, but I believe we can come to an agreement."
The U.S. is seeking to locate radars and interceptor missiles in Eastern Europe to protect itself against potential missile attacks from what it calls "rogue states" such as Iran and North Korea. In 2007, former Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed that the U.S. and Russia jointly operate the Gabala radar station in Azerbaijan as an alternative to Washington`s plans to build missile defense elements in Europe. While the U.S. made clear it was ready to cooperate with Russia, it said the offer could only be an addition, rather than a replacement, for its missile shield plan.
Further, Lugar said the U.S. was worried about the missiles being built in Iran, noting that Russia should share the concerns.
"We have common interests. Iran`s missiles and its intention to develop nuclear warheads for these missiles pose a threat to the entire world. I believe that we can exert influence on Iran jointly with Russia."
The senator also said the U.S. had no plans to station its military bases in Georgia. "I am absolutely unaware of any agreement on setting up such bases on Georgian territory."
Lugar noted that Washington understood Moscow`s desire to increase its influence with former Soviet republics, but pointed out the importance of recognizing the independence of these countries.
Senator Richard Lugar told Russian Echo Moskvi radio station that Washington should consider specific areas for basing its missile shield facilities and radars.
According to Lugar, Russia should be granted an opportunity to monitor the missile defense system that the U.S. will base in the Czech Republic and Poland. "Moscow`s reaction is not that positive, but I believe we can come to an agreement."
The U.S. is seeking to locate radars and interceptor missiles in Eastern Europe to protect itself against potential missile attacks from what it calls "rogue states" such as Iran and North Korea. In 2007, former Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed that the U.S. and Russia jointly operate the Gabala radar station in Azerbaijan as an alternative to Washington`s plans to build missile defense elements in Europe. While the U.S. made clear it was ready to cooperate with Russia, it said the offer could only be an addition, rather than a replacement, for its missile shield plan.
Further, Lugar said the U.S. was worried about the missiles being built in Iran, noting that Russia should share the concerns.
"We have common interests. Iran`s missiles and its intention to develop nuclear warheads for these missiles pose a threat to the entire world. I believe that we can exert influence on Iran jointly with Russia."
The senator also said the U.S. had no plans to station its military bases in Georgia. "I am absolutely unaware of any agreement on setting up such bases on Georgian territory."
Lugar noted that Washington understood Moscow`s desire to increase its influence with former Soviet republics, but pointed out the importance of recognizing the independence of these countries.
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