Slovakia reiterates opposition to U.S. missile defense system
January 22, 2008 - 0:0
PRAGUE (Xinhua) -- Slovakia opposes the United States' plan to build a missile defense system in Poland and the Czech Republic, Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico said, according to news reports reaching here from the Slovakian capital of Bratislava.
The plan has drawn strong opposition from Russia and will pose a threat to Slovakia's security, said Fico after meeting with visiting Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.Tusk said that negotiations between related parties are needed to solve disputes before the United States implements the missile defense plan.
The Polish leader also expressed hope that an atmosphere of mutual trust among the parties concerned could be created around the issue. ""The basis of trust is transparency and information,"" he noted.
The United States wants to deploy 10 missile defense interceptors in Poland and a radar system in the Czech Republic as part of a defense system.
Russia has expressed strong opposition to the plan, saying it is a threat to its security.