Poland, US to restart missile defense talks
Washington, 13 August (IranVNC)—Amid rising international tension over the armed conflict between Russia and Georgia that has left thousands dead, US and Polish negotiators will begin further talks today on the US-proposed missile defense system, AP reports.
By: IranVNC
Published: Wednesday, August 13, 2008
19:45GMT—3:45PM/EST
POLAND – US – MISSILE DEFENSE – RUSSIA
Washington, 13 August (IranVNC)—Amid rising international tension over the armed conflict between Russia and Georgia that has left thousands dead, US and Polish negotiators will begin further talks today on the US-proposed missile defense system, AP reports.
Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk cited yesterday Russia’s invasion of Georgia as justification for Poland’s demand for improved security if the US accepts the terms of the system installation.
Today, Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski reiterated Tusk’s argument in Brussels today ahead of a meeting with US negotiator John Rood.
“The increase in international tension that we are dealing with now, but which we had not expected, makes the security guarantees…an issue even more important than before,” he said during a press conference, according to AP.
The last round of negotiations that ended with Poland’s rejection of the US proposal over domestic policy conflicts, but Polish officials are optimistic about the next step in the talks, DPA news agency reports.
“Tomorrow we are going to negotiate all day. I can’t predict the result, but it is clear that we’re closer to the demands of Prime Minister Donald Tusk than we were a month ago,” said Sikorski, according to AFP.
The US-proposed missile defense system is expected to worsen the already tense relationship between Russia and the U.S., as Moscow sees the system as a threat to its national security.
Sources: Agence France-Presse, Associated Press, Deutsche Presse-Agentur news agency
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