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.