Romanian President Basescu
Romanian President Basescu insists that U.S. anti-ballistic missile interceptors to be placed in Romania are for defensive purposes contrary to Russia’s criticism on the Romanian decision.
Romania’s president insists that the U.S. anti-ballistic missile interceptors to be placed in Romania are defensive and dismisses Russian criticism.
Traian Basescu told military chiefs Friday that “those who are concerned know it is defensive.” He says calling the system “offensive” is for “propaganda reasons.”
On Feb. 4 Romania approved a proposal to place anti-ballistic missile interceptors in the country as part of the revamped American missile shield.
Russia’s top military officer Gen. Nikolai Makarov later said that the U.S. missile defense plans threaten Russia’s security.
Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance
[...] Like his counterparts in the other countries, Romanian President Traian Băsescu highlighted from the very beginning that the new system is not directed against Russia but “against other threats.” Unfortunately, he did not elucidate which other threats he had in mind. Mr. Băsescu reiterated this peaceful character several times and added recently that the system is only “offensive [for] propaganda reasons.” [...]