Russia and NATO Still Arguing Over Missile Shields
NATO and Russia are still at odds over missile defense and arms control issues in Europe. In a meeting in Belgium, the top generals from both Russia and NATO were unable to agree on terms for a treaty that would control conventional arms in Europe.
Russia is opposed to the United States plans to install anti-missile defenses in Europe. The Russians claim that assertations that Iran poses a threat to the safety of Europe are greatly exaggerated.
The US wants to install 10 interceptor missiles in Poland and a radar station located in the Czech Republic and claims the systems would not pose a threat to Russia and is just being used a scare tactic for propaganda. Russia on the other hand is concerned that there is no guarantee that there will be no further increase in deployment.
A spokesperson for Russia claims that NATO is to fault for the crisis that has followed Putin’s statement that Russia is no longer going to apply the revised Conventional Forces in Europe treaty. NATO is refusing to ratify the treaty due to Russian refusal to pull troops out of Moldova and Georgia.
On the positive side, both NATO and Russia are cooperating on a number of military projects such as joint exercises and counterterrorism.
