By Country / Russia
Russia Accuses U.S. Of Starting New Arms Race
May 30, 2007
Lavrov (left) and Rice in Potsdam today (AFP)
States of starting a new arms race with its plans to deploy a
missile-defense system in Central Europe.
Sergei Lavrov was speaking after a meeting of foreign ministers from the Group of Eight (G8) major industrial nations in Germany.
In response, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Washington has repeatedly explained its plan to Moscow, and is ready to discuss the matter further.
Russian officials say the planned defense system is a threat to Russia. The United States says it is aimed at preventing countries like Iran from someday threatening Europe.
Also at the meeting, a statement was issued saying G8 members would support "further appropriate measures" if Iran failed to comply with UN resolutions demanding that it suspend uranium enrichment.
The UN Security Council has already imposed two rounds of sanctions on Iran for failing to suspend enrichment amid fears it is seeking to produce nuclear weapons.
(Reuters, AP, AFP)
| FURTHER READING |
Rogue ThreatA U.S. official discusses the security threats that Washington feels justifies a missile-defense program. more | Russia ReactsMoscow has been uncompromisingly hostile to the U.S. missile-defense proposal. more |