USA: U.S. President George W. Bush insists missile defence system in Europe is necessary, despite Russian objections, because of threat from Iran

Record ID: 1537657

  • Title: USA: U.S. President George W. Bush insists missile defence system in Europe is necessary, despite Russian objections, because of threat from Iran
  • Date: 24th October 2007
  • Summary: (EU) WASHINGTON, D.C., UNITED STATES (OCTOBER 23, 2007) (POOL) PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH COMES TO THE PODIUM (SOUNDBITE) (English) PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES GEORGE W. BUSH SAYING: "The need for missile defense in Europe is real and I believe it's urgent. Iran is pursuing the technology that could be used to produce nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles have increasing range that could deliver them. Last November Iran conducted military exercises in which it launched ballistic missiles capable of striking Israel and Turkey as well as American troops in the Persian Gulf." BUSH AT PODIUM MEMBERS OF AUDIENCE LISTENING (SOUNDBITE) (English) PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES GEORGE W. BUSH SAYING: "The Cold War is over. Russia is not an enemy. We're building a new security relationship who's foundation does not rest in the prospect of mutual annihilation. As part of that new relationship we are asking Russia to join us in this cooperative effort to defend Russia, Europe and the United States against an emerging threat that affects us all." MEMBERS OF AUDIENCE LISTENING BUSH AT PODIUM BUSH DEPARTING
  • Embargoed: 8th November 2007 09:14
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Usa
  • Country: USA
  • Topics: International Relations,Defence / Military
  • Reuters ID: LVA4NGAZ5MPVJ148UHBIW4ZWZDXM
  • Aspect Ratio: 4:3
  • Story Text: U.S. President George W. Bush insisted on Tuesday (October 23) a missile shield in Europe was needed for the security of the United States and its NATO allies despite Russia's objections.
    "The need for missile defense in Europe is real and I believe it's urgent," Bush said in a policy speech at the National Defense University.
    Washington's plans to locate components of the anti-missile system in Poland and the Czech Republic have angered Moscow, leading to strains between the two countries that have revived memories of the Cold War.
    Bush said the missile system was intended as protection against attacks from Iran and other countries that the United States views as "rogue states." He said the system was not a threat to Russia.
    U.S. intelligence agencies assess that with continued foreign assistance, Iran could develop an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching the United States and all of Europe before 2015, Bush said.
    "Russia is not an enemy. We're building a new security relationship who's foundation does not rest in the prospect of mutual annihilation," said Bush.
    "As part of that new relationship we are asking Russia to join us in this cooperative effort to defend Russia, Europe and the United States against an emerging threat that affects us all."
    Bush defended the missile defense system even as his top aides were trying to soothe Russia's concerns. U.S. officials and NATO envoys earlier discussed an offer to keep parts of the missile shield on stand-by short of full readiness as part of a way to bridge differences with Russia.
    U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates, on a visit to Prague, said Washington may delay activation of components of the anti-missile system in the Czech Republic and Poland if Russia cooperates.
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