DAR AL HARB - U.S.A./E.U./RUSSIA: PUTIN THREATENS TO AIM NUKES AT EUROPE IF U.S. MISSILE SHIELD DEFENSE IS EMPLOYED, THEIR OWN VERSION IS OK

Exclusive: Putin threatens to target Europe with missiles
by DOUG SAUNDERS

In an interview with the Globe and Mail, Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to target Europe with missiles, including potentially nuclear weapons, in a dramatic escalation of his Cold War-style showdown with the United States.

Mr. Putin, in an interview at his country residence outside Moscow, said he considers U.S. plans to build an eastern European anti-missile site to shoot down Iranian missiles a provocation aimed at Russia.

Asked what he might do to retaliate, he said he would return Russia to the Cold War status where missiles were aimed at European targets.

"It is obvious that if part of the strategic nuclear potential of the United States is located in Europe, and according to our military experts will be threatening us, we will have to respond," he said.

"What kind of steps are we going to take in response? Of course, we are going to get new targets in Europe."

He suggested that this could include powerful nuclear-capable weapons.

"What kind of means will be used to hit the targets that our military believe are potential threats to the Russian federation? This is a purely technical issue, be it ballistic missiles or cruise missiles, or some kinds of novel weapons systems - this is a purely technical issue."

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Russia wants to resume cooperation with NATO on missile defense shield

MOSCOW: Russia wants to resume cooperation with NATO partners on developing defenses against short-range missiles as an alternative to U.S. plans to install a strategic missile defense system in Eastern Europe, the foreign minister said Sunday.

Washington says the missile shield, which it plans to build in Poland and the Czech Republic, is needed to counter a potential danger from nations such as Iran and that it poses no threat to Russia.

Russian officials, however, have repeatedly rejected U.S. assurances, saying that the system could be used to target Russia.

"Our analysis is open, understandable and honest and I hope that our American partners will take our arguments seriously," Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in comments broadcast on the Rossiya channel. "And our arguments clearly show that it is pointless to defend oneself against non-existing threats."

Moscow also says the planned system threatens peace and stability on the continent.

Lavrov urged NATO partners to cooperate instead on developing the so-called theater missile defense, which is intended to fend off attacks by short- and medium-range missiles, and not intercontinental ballistic missiles.

"It is better to resume work in the framework of Russia-NATO on creating theater missile defense," Lavrov said.

NATO hopes to develop the short-range missile defense system by 2016.

NATO and Russia have been holding consultations on Russia's participation in the project, but no agreement has been reached. Moscow hopes the creation of a joint system using Russian equipment would be a boost to its military industry and a way of bolstering ties with NATO to counter U.S. influence in Europe.

In October, Russia's top military officer asked whether Russia would participate in the project and said he would raise the issue at a Russia-NATO meeting last November.

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Pertinent Links:

1) Exclusive: Putin threatens to target Europe with missiles

2) Russia wants to resume cooperation with NATO on missile defense shield