Biden: New missile shield plan to counter threats
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The new missile shield proposed by President Barack Obama takes into account the need to counter some new threats and the United States will not conclude agreements beyond the will of their allies in Central Europe, US Vice President Joe Biden said Bucharest on Thursday.
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US Vice President Joe Biden delivers a speech at the Central University Library in Bucharest Oct. 22, 2009. [Xinhua] |
"We are confronted with new threats, we need a new vision how we can tackle them, therefore the decision was taken to create a new missile shield system and that is why it is so important that the countries in Central Europe have their voice heard," said Biden while delivering a speech at the Bucharest University Central Library.
According to the US leader, a new important threat is developing today, that is the ballistic missiles, a technology spread in less stable countries after the Cold War. This technology spread accompanied by the nuclear know-how represents a grave danger for all.
"We are determined to provide the needed protection to our NATO allies," stressed Biden.
He said that the redesigned defensive system would provide more security, in the context of the evolution of this threat and of the technological developments. This method, which can be adapted to various stages, is going to counter the new threats by using a proven technology, meant to defend more countries in Europe, including those in Central Europe, and is more efficient than the previous program.
"It can counter today's missile threats. We can improve this defense in the future because it is an adaptable system to a changed threat," he added.
Biden also denied that the recent decision by the Obama administration to scrap the Bush administration's missile defense plan was a concession to Russia made to Europe's detriment.
"They (those who hold such an opinion) are mistaken. The missile shield has nothing to do with Russia," said Biden.
He gave assurances that Washington is not going to conclude any agreements ignoring the allies' will, stressing that the United States "will never conclude an agreement ignoring your will, or in a covert way."
Biden arrived in Bucharest on Wednesday evening on an official visit, as part of a Central Europe tour that also includes Poland and the Czech Republic. He had a work meeting with President Traian Basescu, followed by private meetings with Senate Chairman Mircea Geoana, acting Prime Minister Emil Boc and opposition leaders.
Biden's Central Europe tour started on Oct. 20 in Poland and will end on Oct. 24 in the Czech Republic.
