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 06 September 2008 03:09 BST

Nato condemns Putin comments

Monday, 04 Jun 2007 21:15
The US missile shield system has provoked an unfriendly reaction from Russia
Nato has dismissed comments by Russian president Vladimir Putin on a perceived threat to Russian security as "unhelpful and unwelcome".

Mr Putin has said he will be forced to point missiles at Europe if the US goes ahead with its plans to install a defensive ballistic missile system in eastern Europe.

Although the US claims the missile shield is for use against rogue states like Iran and North Korea, Mr Putin insists the missiles represent a threat to his country's security.

His growing frustration at the inability of western leaders to understand his argument led to the Russians testing their own missiles at the weekend. The Russian defence ministry says the missiles are capable of avoiding the US' shield and striking Europe instead.

Asked in an interview for Italy's Corriere della Sera newspaper whether Russia would respond to the American plans by aiming its own nuclear arsenal at Europe, Mr Putin replied: "Naturally, yes."

"If the American nuclear potential grows in European territory, we have to give ourselves new targets in Europe," he was quoted as saying, in comments reminiscent of those made by Russia in the cold war era.

Mr Putin's dissatisfaction reflects comments made throughout 2007 about the US' military imperalism. In particular he has criticised the eastward expansion of Nato's theatre of operations from its traditional base in western Europe. The organisation now controls all coalition forces in Afghanistan.

Now Nato has spoken out against the popular Russian leader's statements. Spokesperson James Appathurai said: "As far as I am aware, the only country speculating about targeting Europe with missiles is the Russian Federation.

"These kind of comments are unhelpful and unwelcome," he added.

Analysts say current tensions between Russia and European countries are likely to come to a head at this week's G8 summit meeting in Germany, where new French president Nicolas Sarkozy has promised to be "frank" with his Russian counterpart.

Russia's control of its natural gas resources, concerns over its alleged drift away from democratic values and trade disputes involving Poland and Estonia are likely to be high on the meeting's agenda.End of story


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