Prague may host missile defense site
The Czech government has agreed to discuss hosting a US anti-missile defense site, part of the Star Wars project - to protect the US and Europe from missiles from rogue states. Russia has expressed concern about the decision. Czechs and Poles (who will most likely also host a site) have shown opposition to the placement of sites on their territory. The site in the Czech Republic would host a radar station, and Poland would host a missile interceptor. Critics are skeptical about the ability of the system to shoot down missiles. Some past tests have failed.
The new Czech government has given the green light to talks with Washington on hosting part of a US anti-missile defence system, with Poland pressed to locate a major part of the “Star Wars” project which sparks concerns in Russia and opposition among Czechs and Poles.
Just as the new Czech cabinet of Mirek Topolanek, the centre-right ODS leader, received his parliamentary approval on Friday (19 January) following seven months of domestic political wrangling, the US officially filed its request to deploy a radar site for its projected shield system on Czech territory.
Prague agreed on Saturday to start negotiations expected to last a few months, with Mr Topolanek saying the initiative would be in his country’s best interests as it would “increase the security of the Czech Republic and Europe,” according to press reports.
The move is opposed by some opposition social democrats, communists as well as the Czech president Vaclav Klaus, with opinion polls suggesting up to two thirds of citizens also dislike the plan.
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Administrator @ January 25, 2007