February 8, 2008 :: News
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov sharply criticized the U.S.'s strategy to deploy a global missile defense, suggesting it is meant primarily to encircle and contain Russia. "If we look at a map, it's clear that all of it is concentrating around our borders," he said, according to the Associated Press. "More likely in the near future, we are going to hear about hundreds, and maybe even thousands, of interceptors in various regions of the planet, including Europe." Foreign Minister Lavrov made his statement as the U.S. is negotiating with Poland and the Czech Republic to deploy a missile defense system based in those two countries. Foreign Minister Lavrov said, "[What is] dangerous for us is the trend of American infrastructure getting closer to our borders. We don't see any justification for this step...We are talking openly with the Americans about our fears. If the plan goes through, we are going to be forced to respond adequately, developing our strategic forces near our borders." Russian President Vladimir Putin added later, "We drew down our bases in Cuba and Vietnam. What did we get? New American bases in Romania, Bulgaria. A new third missile defense region in Poland, where it's being built."
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