BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

14/11/2007

Russia threatens to deploy missiles in Belarus

Russia has said it may deploy its newest tactical missiles in neighbouring Belarus as a response to the proposed US missile shield.

The threat from Russia is in response to Washington's plans to place missiles in Poland and a radar in the Czech Republic.

"Any action inevitably causes a reaction" - Vladimir Zaritsky, Russia's artillery and missile forces

The US claims the shield is designed to protect Europe from missile attacks by "rogue states" such as Iran and North Korea.

Russia has said this would pose a threat to its security and has suggested using its early warning Qabala radar instead, but the US have rejected this proposal.

Asked if the missiles could be deployed in response to the US shield, the head of Russia's artillery and missile forces, Vladimir Zaritsky, said: "Why not? Under the right conditions and with the corresponding agreement of Belarus, it is possible."

"Any action inevitably causes a reaction," Mr Zaritsky said. "And this is just the case with the elements of US air defence in the Czech Republic and Poland."

A Belarussian defence ministry spokesman denied discussing the deployment of missiles.

But spokesman Vyacheslav Remenchik said in Minsk that Belarus is planning to buy Iskander missiles under its new military programme.

Although Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko has fallen out with Moscow over increased energy prices, he has offered to work with the Kremlin to oppose the US shield.

Source:

http://itn.co.uk/news/97abb0673feff8a17551a3cf33cd6fb7.html