Azerbaijani Opposition Backs U.S.-Russian Use Of Radar

(RFE/RL) June 13, 2007 -- An Azerbaijani opposition leader says it would serve Baku's interests if the United States and Russia jointly used a radar station in the country.

Sardar Dzhalaloglu, head of the opposition Democratic Party, says joint use of the Qabala (Gabala) radar base could lead to greater U.S.-Russian coordination on issues important to Azerbaijan.


Russian President Vladimir Putin on June 7 proposed jointly using the Qabala radar base, which Russia leases, as an alternative to current U.S. plans to site interceptor missiles in Poland and a radar base in the Czech Republic as part of a missile-defense system.


The United States has not indicated that it would allow any decision on the Qabala facility to alter its plans for Poland and the Czech Republic.


(Interfax)


FURTHER READING
'Surprise' Proposal Was Planned
U.S. analyst Glen Howard discusses what might be behind Putin's radar offer. more
U.S. Ships In The Caspian?
A Russian military analyst says Putin's plan could include basing Aegis-equipped U.S. warships in the Caspian. more
What Does It Mean?
It looks like Putin understands Russia is too weak to compete with the United States. more

Moscow And Washington: Toe To Toe

Moscow And Washington: Toe To Toe

U.S. President George W. Bush (left) and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G8 summit in Germany on June 7 (AFP)

MOUNTING TENSIONS. Relations between Russia and the United States have grown increasingly tense in recent months as issues like missile-defense, Kosovo's status, and Russia's domestic policies have provoked sharp, public differences. On June 5, U.S. President George W. Bush said democratic reforms in Russia have been "derailed"....(more)


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