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03-28-2007, 10:22 PM
http://www.canada.com/topics/news/world/story.html?id=c74fa972-2541-4a12-a521-7b72127aa0b8&k=51259
Desmond Butler, Canadian Press
Published: Wednesday, March 28, 2007 Article tools
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Font: * * * * WASHINGTON (AP) - A top U.S. defence official said Tuesday the United States has rejected integrating its full Europe-based missile defence plans under NATO because it would need to seek the approval of each member of the alliance.
Some European leaders, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, have urged the United States to consider greater NATO involvement in the plans amid worry the proposed U.S. system is producing divisions in Europe and tension with Russia.
Asked in a U.S. House of Representatives hearing why the United States would not consider making NATO the forum for deciding deployments for the system, deputy assistant defence secretary Brian Green said the organization's decision-making structures make the proposal unworkable.
"NATO is a consensus organization, which means we would have to try to achieve unanimity," he told members of a subcommittee of the armed services committee.
"To achieve unanimity in any organization, including NATO, is a very difficult challenge."
The U.S. plan to place a radar base in the Czech Republic and 10 interceptor missiles in Poland as part of its proposed missile defence shield has infuriated Russia, which has suggested it could lead to a new arms race. The plan also has received a mixed reaction in Western Europe. While Merkel has taken a neutral position on the U.S. plans, some members of her left-leaning coalition partner, the Social Democrats, have been critical.
NATO already is involved in developing defences against shorter-range missiles that could be used against its troops on the battlefield, a critical part of the overall system that also includes medium and long range defences.
NATO officials have suggested talks among the allies could focus on combining the short-range NATO system with the separate U.S. strategic shield to provide missile defence for all 26 allies. NATO allies are expected to discuss the issue at a foreign ministers' meeting in Norway next month.
Green said he believes great support exists within NATO for the overall program. Air force Lt.-Gen. Henry Obering, director of the U.S. missile defence program, who was also at the hearing, said NATO continues to be a forum for discussion of the plans. He outlined co-operation on system by a number of NATO partners, including Britain and the Netherlands. He said Italy had signed an agreement in February to begin technology-sharing and other co-operation.
In response to Russia's charge the United States has failed to consult that country properly, Green reiterated the often-stated U.S. rebuttal that it has repeatedly briefed Russia and is continuing to look for Russian co-operation on the program.
"Providing Russia transparency and predictability in our missile defence policy, plans and programs is certainly in the interest of the United States," he said.
President George W. Bush, he said, has directed officials to find ways to co-operate with Russia.
"While that prospect at times seems remote, there are positive developments to report," he said.
Desmond Butler, Canadian Press
Published: Wednesday, March 28, 2007 Article tools
Printer friendly
Font: * * * * WASHINGTON (AP) - A top U.S. defence official said Tuesday the United States has rejected integrating its full Europe-based missile defence plans under NATO because it would need to seek the approval of each member of the alliance.
Some European leaders, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, have urged the United States to consider greater NATO involvement in the plans amid worry the proposed U.S. system is producing divisions in Europe and tension with Russia.
Asked in a U.S. House of Representatives hearing why the United States would not consider making NATO the forum for deciding deployments for the system, deputy assistant defence secretary Brian Green said the organization's decision-making structures make the proposal unworkable.
"NATO is a consensus organization, which means we would have to try to achieve unanimity," he told members of a subcommittee of the armed services committee.
"To achieve unanimity in any organization, including NATO, is a very difficult challenge."
The U.S. plan to place a radar base in the Czech Republic and 10 interceptor missiles in Poland as part of its proposed missile defence shield has infuriated Russia, which has suggested it could lead to a new arms race. The plan also has received a mixed reaction in Western Europe. While Merkel has taken a neutral position on the U.S. plans, some members of her left-leaning coalition partner, the Social Democrats, have been critical.
NATO already is involved in developing defences against shorter-range missiles that could be used against its troops on the battlefield, a critical part of the overall system that also includes medium and long range defences.
NATO officials have suggested talks among the allies could focus on combining the short-range NATO system with the separate U.S. strategic shield to provide missile defence for all 26 allies. NATO allies are expected to discuss the issue at a foreign ministers' meeting in Norway next month.
Green said he believes great support exists within NATO for the overall program. Air force Lt.-Gen. Henry Obering, director of the U.S. missile defence program, who was also at the hearing, said NATO continues to be a forum for discussion of the plans. He outlined co-operation on system by a number of NATO partners, including Britain and the Netherlands. He said Italy had signed an agreement in February to begin technology-sharing and other co-operation.
In response to Russia's charge the United States has failed to consult that country properly, Green reiterated the often-stated U.S. rebuttal that it has repeatedly briefed Russia and is continuing to look for Russian co-operation on the program.
"Providing Russia transparency and predictability in our missile defence policy, plans and programs is certainly in the interest of the United States," he said.
President George W. Bush, he said, has directed officials to find ways to co-operate with Russia.
"While that prospect at times seems remote, there are positive developments to report," he said.