U.S. Antimissile Shield To Protect Romania, Not Aimed At Russia – Romanian Defense Min

Oprea said Romania's decision to host missile interceptors on its soil will strengthen the strategic partnership between Romania and the United States so that the former will become a key ally within NATO and the European Union.

The minister said issues regarding the costs and the locations for the missiles on Romanian soil will be decided by Romanian and American experts.

Romanian Foreign Minister Teodor Baconschi, also present in the hearings held in the defense and foreign affairs parliament committees, said Romania's involvement in the missile defense system entails minimum costs that will target ensuring the security of the military infrastructure perimeter.

"Our partners will send us the list with the criteria which will enable us to establish where the missile interceptors will be located," said Baconschi, adding Romania will not buy the missile interceptors, but will have to ensure the security of the military infrastructure perimeter which entails minimum costs.

The foreign minister said the antimissile shield agreement will be implemented after it is ratified in Parliament.

Baconschi said Tuesday Romania will not have to buy SM-3 missile interceptors and it will not pay for the setting up or layout of the location for the missiles on Romanian soil.

Also, according to the ministrer, there will not be any interception missiles installed on Romanian or foreign ships in the Black Sea. These interception missiles will be placed exclusively on land.

Romanian President Traian Basescu said Thursday the U.S. antimissile defense system, in which the country has agreed to participate, will be up and running in Romania starting 2015.

Basescu said Romania has accepted a proposition of U.S. President Barack Obama, who has invited the country, a NATO and EU member, to participate in the development of the United States' antimissile defense system and the country will host elements of this system on its territory.

Basescu said Obama's message was delivered to Bucharest by the American sub-secretary of state for arms control, with whom he had a meeting Thursday morning.

The Romanian head of state underscored the development of the U.S. antimissile system is not aimed at Russia.

Basescu added bilateral negotiations will follow and Romania and the United States need to seal agreements that would then require Parliament ratification.

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