Debate Starts Anew Over 2002 Study

In the wake of North Korea's still-stunning launch of seven missiles four days ago, it isn't just the United States that's looking to implement a workable missile defense shield ASAP. NATO headquarters has reportedly warmed to the idea, too... with alliance ambassadors set to meet soon to renew debate over a study in favor of adopting a Europe-wide missile defense system.

The EUObserver reports the 10,000-page study was commissioned by the alliance's 2002 summit in Prague, and the organization's secretary general Jaap de Hoop Scheffer is reportedly trying to move the discussion forward.

If such a system were approved by NATO, missile defense bases would be set up throughout Europe. Already, the US government is reportedly negotiating with Poland and the Czech Republic as potential locations for the missile base, with Hungary denying similar claims last week.

The Hungarian press quoted a US official as saying that a deal on the location is far from ended.

"The decision hasn't even been made whether or not we will build in Europe. The first question is whether or not the system is viable," Lieutenant Commander Joe Carpenter told the Budapest Times.

But the NATO officials are concerned that the US system might undermine the unity of the alliance as it would only protect some European countries -- those that would agree to base anti-missile interceptors on their territory.

With that in mind, officials argue a Europewide system should complement the American project.

A similar thought has been expressed by the French defense minister Michele Alliot-Marie at an informal July 4 meeting with MEPs from the foreign affairs committee in Strasbourg, who argued that Europe-wide protection should be guaranteed.

Mrs Alliot-Marie also confirmed that French leaders discussed the issue of "concerted deterrence" with a proposed Europeanized nuclear force with the British prime minister Tony Blair during their June summit in Paris.

Her confirmation sparked criticism by Geoffrey Van Orden, defense spokesman for the UK conservatives in the European Parliament.

"Given the importance of the independent nuclear deterrent to the national security of the United Kingdom," he said, "I am very surprised that the prime minister did not mention that such a vital issue is currently being discussed."

"It would be the most extraordinary act of folly if we were to become in any way reliant on France for the ultimate strategic defense capability of our nation," Van Orden added.

FMI: www.nato.int