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American missile defense deployment in Europe a threat to Russia

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Deployment of U.S. radars in the Czech Republic and Poland threatens Russia, the commander of the Space Forces said Monday.
MOSCOW, January 22 (RIA Novosti) - Deployment of U.S. radars in the Czech Republic and Poland threatens Russia, the commander of the Space Forces said Monday.

The U.S. has long been considering the possibility of deploying elements of a national missile defense system in the Czech Republic and Poland, citing the need to intercept possible intercontinental ballistic missiles launched by so-called "axis of evil" states, namely Iran and North Korea.

"Deployment of American radiolocation systems in the Czech Republic and of a position area in Poland is dangerous for Russia," Col.-Gen. Vladimir Popovkin told journalists. "First of all, because our strategic nuclear forces will be visible."

The construction of the European part of the U.S. national missile defense system is to cost $1.6 billion over the next five years. Later, the system can be expanded using sea- and space-based elements.

Poland has not yet decided whether to allow the deployment of the U.S. missile defense system on its territory. On January 20, the U.S. officially offered to deploy the radar elements of the system in the Czech Republic. If the Czechs agree, the radar can begin operating in 2011.

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