Associated Press & Tyler Durden / ZeroHedge – 2011-11-27 23:29:12
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/24/russia-targets-us-missile-shield
Russia Says Missiles to Target US Nuclear Shield in Europe
Associated Press
MOSCOW (November 24, 2011) — Russia has threatened to deploy missiles to target the US missile shield in Europe if Washington fails to assuage Moscow’s concerns about its plans. The harsh warning reflects deep cracks in US-Russian ties despite Barack Obama’s efforts to “reset” relations with the Kremlin.
President Dmitry Medvedev said on Wednesday that he still hopes for a deal with the US on missile defence, but he accused Washington and its NATO allies of ignoring Russia’s worries. He said Russia will have to take military countermeasures if the US continues to build the shield without legal guarantees that it will not be aimed against Russia.
The US has repeatedly assured Russia its proposed missile defence system would not be directed against Russia’s nuclear forces, and it did that again on Wednesday.
“I do think it’s worth reiterating that the European missile defence system that we’ve been working very hard on with our allies and with Russia over the last few years is not aimed at Russia,” said a Pentagon spokesman. “It is designed to help deter and defeat the ballistic missile threat to Europe and to our allies from Iran.”
The White House spokesman, Tommy Vietor, said the US will continue to seek Moscow’s co-operation, but it must realise “that the missile defence systems planned for deployment in Europe do not and cannot threaten Russia’s strategic deterrent”.
Medvedev said Moscow wants a binding agreement. “When we propose to put it on paper in the form of precise and clear legal obligations, we hear a strong refusal.”
Russia would station missiles in Kaliningrad, its westernmost region which has NATO neighbours on all sides, if the US continued its plans without offering firm and specific pledges. He did not say whether the missiles would carry conventional or nuclear warheads.
The NATO secretary-general, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, said he was “very disappointed” with Russia’s threat to deploy missiles near alliance nations. He said that “would be reminiscent of the past” and inconsistent with the strategic relations NATO and Russia seek.
US missile defence has long tarnished ties between Moscow and Washington. The Obama administration has repeatedly said the shield is needed to fend off a potential threat from Iran, but Russia fears that it could erode the deterrent potential of its nuclear forces.
Medvedev and other Russian leaders have made similar threats in the past, and the latest statement appears to be aimed at the domestic audience ahead of parliamentary elections on 4 December.
(c) 2011 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved.
Russia Retaliates Against US: Puts Radar Station On Combat Alert, Prepares To Take Out European Missile Defense Systems
Tyler Durden / ZeroHedge.com
(November 23, 2011) — Earlier today, we presented the latest developments in the escalating possibility of an imminent air (and potentially land) campaign targeting Syria by the “western world,” a move that would infuriate not only Iran, but also Russia and China, both of which have made it clear they would not sit idly by and let such an “aggression” stand. Now it is Russia’s turn to retaliate.
Cutting straight to the chase — in a nationally televised appearance by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev: in response to what the Russian believes is an active incursion and a potential act of eventual aggression on behalf of NATO countries in Eastern Europe (and hence the US), he said the following (7 minutes in):
“First, I am instructing the Defense Ministry to immediately put the missile attack early warning radar station in Kaliningrad on combat alert.
Second, protective cover of Russia’s strategic nuclear weapons, will be reinforced as a priority measure under the programme to develop out air and space defenses.
Third, the new strategic ballistic missiles commissioned by the Strategic Missile Forces and the Navy will be equipped with advanced missile defense penetration systems and new highly-effective warheads.
Fourth, I have instructed the Armed Forces to draw up measures for disabling missile defense system data and guidance systems if need be…
Fifth, if the above measures prove insufficient, the Russian Federation will deploy modern offensive weapon systems in the west and south of the country, ensuring our ability to take out any part of the US missile defense system, in Europe. One step in this process will be to deploy Iskander missiles in Kaliningrad Region.
Other measures to counter the European missile defense system will be drawn up and implemented as necessary. Furthermore, if the situation continues to develop not in Russia’s favor we reserve the right to discontinue further disarmament and arms control measures. Besides, given the intrinsic link between strategic offensive and defensive arms, conditions for our withdrawal from the New START Treaty could also arise.”
That said, he concludes that Russia is still open to dialog. However, if Obama merely intends to bomb any nation at will, we are very much concerned that everything Medvedev has just threatened will be enacted.
And exponentially more so when Putin comes back in charge. One thing is certain — Russia is not North Korea, and taking this speech for more empty jawboning is probably not the wisest option.
Watch the full address to the public:
For English closed captioning hit the CC button.
