Concern over russian missiles

[Christina]

EU VOICES STRONG CONCERN OVER RUSSIAN MISSILESNovember 9, 2008The International Herald Tribune reports: “The French presidency of the European Union expressed ‘strong concern’ Friday over a Russian plan to station new missiles near Poland's border.Russian President Dmitry Medvedev announced Wednesday that Moscow would deploy missiles in its western outpost of Kaliningrad in response to U.S. plans to station an anti-missile defence shield in Poland and the Czech Republic.‘The presidency of the European Union council expresses its strong concern after the announcement by President Medvedev ... of the deployment of a complex of Iskander missiles in Kaliningrad,’ the presidency said in a statement.‘This announcement does not contribute to the establishment of a climate of trust and to the improvement of security in Europe, at a time when we wish for a dialogue with Russia on questions of security in the whole of the continent,’ it said.The Bush administration says its missile shield aims to protect its European allies against possible attack by ‘rogue states,’ particularly Iran, and by terrorist groups. Moscow views the system as a direct threat to its national security.The dispute comes ahead of a November 14 summit between Russia and the 27-nation EU in the French city of Nice. The EU froze talks on a new partnership pact with Moscow after Russia and Georgia fought a five-day war in August…”--------------------------------------------------------------------------------