Iranian Officials Say Shahab-3 Missiles Could Hit Romania – NATO Secretary Gen

In a speech held in the University of Bucharest's Law Faculty, Rasmussen said more than 30 countries "have or are developing missile capabilities, with greater and greater ranges."

"In many cases, these missiles could eventually threaten our populations and territories. And several countries are seeking nuclear weapons. This is a deadly combination," said Rasmussen, who gave the example of Iran.

"Tehran is pursuing its nuclear activities in defiance of several UN Security Council resolutions. And in parallel with these nuclear programs, Iran also runs an extensive missile development program. Statements from Iranian officials declare the range of their modified Shahab-3 missiles to be 2000 kilometers. That will already put Allied countries within reach: Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria and Romania," Rasmussen said. He added that for NATO this means it needs to maintain its nuclear deterrent action, but also called for a fresh look at missile defense.

"If we connect national systems into a NATO wide missile shield to protect all our Allies, that would be a very powerful demonstration of NATO solidarity in the 21st Century. And it can be even more - it can be a catalyst for a new dynamic in European and Euro-Atlantic security. How? By cooperating with Russia," Rasmussen said.

NATO's Secretary General also talked about Afghanistan.

"I am aware that Russia's current views on missile defense range from hostile to ambivalent. And I am also aware that there are technical hurdles that would have to be overcome in linking up our systems. But I do not believe these obstacles are insurmountable. Once Russia starts to feel the effects of proliferation on her, I am sure she will begin to see missile defense as an opportunity rather than a threat," Rasmussen said.

"Clearly, nowhere is Alliance solidarity required more than in Afghanistan. NATO has never before undertaken such a demanding mission, and many Allies have suffered severe losses. It is therefore all the more reassuring to see that our member nations not only continue standing together, but even increase their contribution. Romania is a case in point, and I want to use this opportunity to thank Romania not only for its current contribution, but also for its recent decision to increase this contribution in the coming months. Romania's decision is based on a simple but powerful logic: we must do more now in order to do less later," Rasmussen said.

The secretary general also said NATO's mission in Afghanistan (ISAF) will grow in strength this year. At the moment, 46 countries are taking part in the mission.

"Afghanistan will remain our operational priority for a long time to come. But while we must do everything in our power to succeed in Afghanistan, we must not neglect other security developments that may affect us. In short, as well as addressing current challenges, we must also look to the future," Rasmussen said.

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