(NSI News Source Info) 
MUNICH - February 7, 2009: Poland will follow through with the deployment of U.S. missile shield elements on its territory, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said at the 45th Munich Security Conference on Saturday.
Tusk said the missile defense system was a preventative measure and would play an important role in Europe's security.
"We are willing to participate in difficult projects because we believe this will underscore our ability to defend ourselves, but also the preventative capabilities of the transatlantic community," he told the conference.
The Polish prime minister also expressed support for countries who wished to join NATO. Russia's relations with the military alliance have been strained by its eastward expansion, and Moscow vehemently opposes membership for Ukraine and Georgia.
Before leaving Warsaw for the conference, Tusk said the ultimate decision on the missile shield lay with the United States. Russia objects to the system as a threat to its national security, but top officials in Moscow have repeatedly expressed hopes that the new U.S. administration will reconsider the plans.
"We are a very honest partner of the United States, and if we agree something with the Americans we always keep our word," he said at a news briefing on Friday. "We are ready to participate in this project, but the decision, of course, is with the American side."
Washington has agreed with Warsaw and Prague plans to deploy 10 interceptor missiles in Poland and a radar in the Czech Republic by 2013. The United States says the defenses are needed to deter possible strikes from "rogue states" such as Iran.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov said at the conference on Friday that the shield is aimed at Russia's nuclear deterrent.
MUNICH - February 7, 2009: Poland will follow through with the deployment of U.S. missile shield elements on its territory, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said at the 45th Munich Security Conference on Saturday.
Tusk said the missile defense system was a preventative measure and would play an important role in Europe's security.
"We are willing to participate in difficult projects because we believe this will underscore our ability to defend ourselves, but also the preventative capabilities of the transatlantic community," he told the conference.
The Polish prime minister also expressed support for countries who wished to join NATO. Russia's relations with the military alliance have been strained by its eastward expansion, and Moscow vehemently opposes membership for Ukraine and Georgia.
Before leaving Warsaw for the conference, Tusk said the ultimate decision on the missile shield lay with the United States. Russia objects to the system as a threat to its national security, but top officials in Moscow have repeatedly expressed hopes that the new U.S. administration will reconsider the plans.
"We are a very honest partner of the United States, and if we agree something with the Americans we always keep our word," he said at a news briefing on Friday. "We are ready to participate in this project, but the decision, of course, is with the American side."
Washington has agreed with Warsaw and Prague plans to deploy 10 interceptor missiles in Poland and a radar in the Czech Republic by 2013. The United States says the defenses are needed to deter possible strikes from "rogue states" such as Iran.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov said at the conference on Friday that the shield is aimed at Russia's nuclear deterrent.
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