Yuri Baluyevsky (file) (epa)
August 21, 2007 -- Russia's military chief has told a Czech delegation the country will be making a "big mistake" if it hosts elements of a U.S. missile shield on its soil.
Yuri Baluyevsky said after meeting Czech Deputy Defense Minister Martin Bartak in Moscow that Prague should delay any decision until after the election of a new U.S. administration, which might re-evaluate the missile decision.
The Czech Republic is discussing with Washington hosting a radar station that would form part of the U.S. missile shield.
Washington says the system is aimed at countering potential threats from countries like Iran, but Moscow sees the plan as a threat to its security.
(Reuters)
Missile Defense: Not In My Backyard?
Missile Defense: Not In My Backyard?
AN RFE/RL VIDEO PRESENTATION: The Czech Republic responds to the U.S. missile-defense proposal.