The new American and Russian anti-ballistic missile system plans in Poland and in the Czech Republic.

American Missile Defense Agency negotiator in conversations with Russia Administration suggested new proposal to replace US plans to install an anti-ballistic missile system in Poland and the Czech Republic by soviet radar in Azerbaijan.

The Secretary of State responsible for the arms control in the US Department of State, Rose Gottemoeller, was asked what she feels about the new Russian idea, to include the radar in Gabali in Azerbaijan to monitor Iran and not placing this defense system in Poland and Czech Republic.

"I understood from talking to Russian counterparts that the offer is still on the table," said Gottemoeller, the assistant secretary of state for verification and compliance. "I think personally that it is an offer the United States should be willing to explore," said the diplomat, in comments confirmed by the State Department in Washington."At the time I lived in Moscow, when I was director of Carnegie Moscow, I thought that the offer was very interesting. And I think it deserves further exploration," she added (read more).

Russia proposed sharing their radar in Gabi in 2007. The previous George W. Bush Administration always responded to this offer negatively. Russia considers this as a threat to its own security.

I think this is another signal from President Obama's Administration of renewing dialogue with Russia. Many questions were never answered and this in this special recession moment in America is a time for “new dialog”.

European Ballistic Missile Defense

From the Polish perspective, I think that another strategic moment in Polish history is gone. Polish people always will “fight” for independence from Russia. I feel that decisions are independent from Poland and Czech Republic. Again the Europe sees that we can have any plans only, but decision are made by another country.

Does American Administration care about Poland and Czech Republic or is this only a “political game” with Russia? Or is this a consequence of U.S.A. and Russian negotiators meeting in Rome (March 24, 2009) to take the first step towards cutting hundreds of nuclear weapon from both countries' arsenals? (read more) What do you think?

Retreived May 5, 2009, from: wp.pl