Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday the country's
recent tests of new ballistic missiles and its possible withdrawal
from the Conventional Forces in Europe(CFE) treaty are a direct
response to unilateral, ungrounded actions of Western countries in
the sphere of missile defense.
"These actions are aimed at maintaining balance in the world
order, and they are extremely important for maintaining peace and
security globally," Putin was quoted by the Itar-Tass news agency
as saying after a meeting with the Greek president in the
Kremlin.
"A new base in Bulgaria, another one in Romania, a site for a
new missile in Poland and a radar in the Czech republic, what
should we do? We cannot one-sidedly watch and observe accords,"
Putin said.
"We've said you either ratify (the CFE) and implement it, or we
withdraw (from the treaty). It seems somebody doesn't like it," the
president said.
"These actions by Russia should not be feared, they are not
aggressive, it's just an answer to rather tough and unjustified
unilateral actions by partners," Putin said.
Russia successfully test-launched a new type of intercontinental
ballistic missile on Tuesday. On the same day, Russia tested a new
short-range cruise missile for the mobile complex Iskander-M at the
Kapustin Yar base in the southern Astrakhan Region.
The United States plans to deploy missile interceptors in Poland
and radar units in the Czech Republic as part of a project to
extend the missile defense system in Europe. Russia has voiced
strong opposition over the plan.
(Xinhua News Agency June 1, 2007)
