Russia flexible on European missile defence, seeks NATO guarantees.

LONDON (Itar-Tass) - Russia is showing flexibility on the
missile defence system being created by NATO in Europe, but wants its
guarantees that it will not be directed against Moscow, Russian permanent
representative to NATO Dmitry Rogozin said.
He attended a conference on missile defence, which was organised by
the Royal United Services Institute for Defence Studies.
"We cannot understand what NATO wants from us. We are a very flexible
country with flexible diplomacy, and we can respond to changes in the
situation in the world very sensitively and attentively. At first we said
our strong 'no' to the third missile launch in East European countries,
but for some reason our Western partners did not like our 'no'. Then we
listened to our Western friends and did as they asked. Now we say 'yes' to
missile defence plans. But for some reason we hear the same old 'no' from
the West in reply to our 'yes'," Rogozin said.
"We have our legitimate questions to our colleagues: why in creating
the missile defence system does NATO want to protect us as well without
our consent?" he asked, referring to the deployment and the range of
operation of NATO's missile defence system in Europe.
"We respect how the United States and NATO will ensure the security of
their allies. But we do not understand why is it proposed to deploy
missile defence fire systems near the Russian border if these systems can
reach all the way to the Urals Mountains?" Rogozin said.
He stressed that Russia has sufficient capabilities to respond to the
deployment of NATO's missile defence system near its border.
However, when asked to specify, he said it would be too early to talk
about that as he hoped that NATO would satisfy Russia's demand and provide
it with necessary guarantees for the benefit of security cooperation with
it.
NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen described as
"unnecessary" and "out of date" assertions that the missile defence system
in Europe would spur a new arms race.
"Large parts of Russia, and many Russian citizens, face a missile
threat too. And NATO is convinced that cooperating with Russia on missile
defence is in the interest of all of us - NATO Allies, and Russia. It
makes sense politically. It makes sense practically. And it makes sense
militarily," he said at the Royal United Services Institute for Defence
Studies.
"What does NOT make sense, is for Russia to talk about spending
billions of roubles on a new offensive system to target the West. This
type of rhetoric is unnecessary. This type of thinking is out of date.
This type of investment is a waste of money. Because, we are not a threat
to Russia. We will not attack Russia. We will not undermine the security
of Russia," Rasmussen stressed.
"The threats to Russia come from elsewhere. And our invitation to
cooperate on missile defence is proof of that," he said.
"Russia says it wants guarantees. We can give these by agreeing that
our systems will not undermine the strategic balance. That they will
strengthen each others security - and not weaken it," Rasmussen said.
He expressed confidence that "the best guarantee for Russia is to be
part of the process. And to be connected to the system. We should focus on
actual cooperation, not abstract questions. This is the best way to
enhance transparency and confidence. And it builds up the mutual trust
that is necessary to take the key decisions we need to take".