MOSCOW (Reuters) - Moldova's rebel region of Transdniester says it is ready to host Russian tactical missiles if Moscow were to ask, Russian news agencies reported, quoting regional leader Igor Smirnov.
NATO member Romania, which borders Moldova, this month approved a U.S. plan to deploy interceptor missiles, prompting calls for clarification from Russia's Foreign Ministry, which said it was concerned.
Moscow earlier threatened to deploy tactical Iskander missiles near the border with Poland in response to U.S. plans to deploy elements of a missile shield in Poland and the Czech Republic.
"We are not against it," Interfax news agency quoted Smirnov as saying. "As far as Iskander is concerned, we have long said we are ready."
Interfax said Smirnov made clear that the offer was linked to Washington's plans to deploy elements of its own antimissile system in Eastern Europe.
NATO member Romania, which borders Moldova, this month approved a U.S. plan to deploy interceptor missiles, prompting calls for clarification from Russia's Foreign Ministry, which said it was concerned.
Moscow earlier threatened to deploy tactical Iskander missiles near the border with Poland in response to U.S. plans to deploy elements of a missile shield in Poland and the Czech Republic.
"We are not against it," Interfax news agency quoted Smirnov as saying. "As far as Iskander is concerned, we have long said we are ready."
Interfax said Smirnov made clear that the offer was linked to Washington's plans to deploy elements of its own antimissile system in Eastern Europe.