Medvedev: US missile shield a fairytale
The US and Poland have 'agreed' a controversial missile deal
Friday, 15, Aug 2008 02:31
Russian president Dmitry Medvedev has criticised a controversial missile shield deal between Poland and the US.
Earlier, the Polish prime minister Donald Tusk said that the US had agreed on improving Poland's defences in return for placing ten missile defence interceptors in the European country.
Speaking at a press conference with German chancellor Angela Merkel this afternoon, Mr Medvedev countered, claiming it was a "fairytale" that the missiles would be trained at "pariah states", stating they were instead aimed at Russia.
He described the deal as "sad for everyone" in Europe.
Ms Merkel denied the accusation and said they would be used to combat any threat which Iran may pose.
The Reuters news agency claims the missile deal between the US and Poland was formally signed by John Rood, the US chief negotiator, and Andrzej Kremer, the deputy Polish foreign minister, at a ceremony in Warsaw.
It must still be approved by Poland's parliament however.
Mr Tusk said the missile deal represented a "mutual commitment" by the two countries to help the other out "in case of trouble".
"We have finally got an understanding of our point of view that Poland, being a crucial partner in Nato and an important friend and ally of the United States, must also be safe," he added.
The deal comes after months of negotiations and at a time when US-Russia relations are severely strained over the conflict in Georgia.
Moscow has repeatedly criticised the US' plans to build the missile shield so close to its borders.