Moldova gov’t backs US missile defense plans in Romania

Moldova

The Moldovan government has announced its support for the United States plans to put up a missile defense shield in Romania.  This shield would in turn increase defense in Europe. The statement released stressed that “each state has the right to decide itself in accordance with its national interests as to the system and mechanisms for ensuring its own security.”

The Moldovan government has supported U.S. plans to base elements of its missile defense shield in Romania. The deployment of missile defense elements in Romania gives an opportunity to increase defense potential of Europe in conditions of a continuing proliferation of nuclear technologies and threats posed by short- and medium-range missiles, said a statement of the Moldovan government issued on Tuesday.

“The government has taken into consideration Romanian-American agreements concerning prospects to deploy in Romania elements of a missile defense system in Europe, as well as its openness for participation of other interested parties with an aim of strengthening general security,” the document said.

Russian NATO Envoy Pours Cold Water on Transdnestria’s Missile Proposal

Moldova and Transdniestria

The Russians responded swiftly and succinctly to the Moldovan rebels offer to place Iskander missiles in their disputed territory. Russia’s NATO envoy stated that deploying missiles systems in Transdniestria would not be an option, taking missile deployment off the table as a barging tool. It seems that the Russian’s do not want to stir the pot more then is necessary, and even agreeing to missile placements in Transdniestria would certainly do just that.

Russia’s envoy to NATO has poured cold water on an offer by Moldova’s unrecognized republic of Transdniestria to deploy Russian missile defense elements.

Transdniestria leader Igor Smirnov confirmed Monday that his republic would deploy elements of a Russian missile defense system if Moscow asked. Media reports said earlier that Tiraspol had asked Moscow to set up a missile defense system in Transdniestria to counter U.S. plans to deploy a missile shield in Romania.

Russia’s envoy to NATO Dmitry Rogozin said Transdniestria’s move to deploy Russian Iskander missiles could lead to a serious regional conflict, and added that there could be no talk yet of bilateral efforts to “reset” Russian-U.S. relations if Moscow continues to hear the United States’ plans to deploy missiles in Romania from mass media.

“This situation could lead to a rather serious regional argument or even a political conflict. In regard to whether Iskanders should be deployed there or not, Iskander [missiles are] not a means to be used in such talks,” he said.

Moldovan Rebels Offer to Host Russian Missiles

Moldova's Rebel Region of Transdniestria

A Soviet protectorate offers offensive missile sites to Russia in response to Romania’s potential cooperation with US missile defense plan in Europe. This is a blatantly opportunistic grab at Russian support by rebel leadership in Transdniestria. This development does highlight the growing tensions between Moscow and Washington in regards to post-START negotiations.

Moldova’s rebel region of Transdniestria said on Monday it was ready to host Russian tactical missiles if the Kremlin were to ask, escalating growing tensions about defense between Moscow and Washington.

NATO and European Union member Romania, which borders Moldova, this month approved a U.S. plan to deploy interceptor missiles which Washington says aims to defend against current and emerging ballistic missile threats from Iran.

It prompted calls for clarification from Russia’s foreign ministry, which said it was concerned.