Bush welcomes Putin’s proposal, but is not going to refuse from plans
to place air defense system in Europe

04.07.2007 11:57

YEREVAN (YERKIR) – At the meeting between U.S. and Russian Presidents
in George Bush’s home in Kennebunkport, Maine, Vladimir Putin offered
to broaden the number of participants in consultations over air defense
of Europe.

The Russian leader proposed to enlarge the number of parties involved
in the consultations `at the expense of European countries, and it is
necessary to do that on the bases of Russia-NATO Council’. V. Putin
also reminded G. W. Bush the agreement, which `was reached several
years ago’. It supposes creation of an information exchange center on
missile launches in Moscow or a European capital.

`A similar center may be established in one of European capitals,
particularly in Brussels, and it might be a closed system, which would
work in the real time regime,’ Putin said. At the same time he offered
to share the use of not only the Gabala radar station, but also the
early missile warning station in the south of Russia, which currently
is still under construction. `In this case there will be no need in
placing new stations in Europe `a radar in the Czech Republic and a
shock-brigade in Poland,’ V. Putin said.

Bush welcomed his Russian counterpart’s proposal on `establishing a
regional concept of air defense system’. However, he stated that the
United States is not going to refuse from the plans to place his ownair
defense system in Eastern Europe.

Presidents of both countries also discussed the Iranian nuclear
problem. `We are close to the point to sent a decisive message to
Iran,’ George Bush stated. During the joint press conference Bush said
about Putin, `Sometimes he says something that I would not like to
hear. But I know he always tells me the truth.’ The U.S. President
underlined that even in case of serious differences they continue to
show mutual respect towards each other, Lenta.ru reports.