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Baku (AFP): German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Monday said Europe was considering its own missile defence system in parallel to a shield the United States wants to put up in Eastern Europe. But Steinmeier, who has criticized the United States for not discussing its planned missile shield with Russia, said acknowledged that Europe does not yet have the technological know-how to build a rival to the US system.
“I think that a lot of countries are interested in these (defence) systems. Time will tell how many of these are effective,” Steinmeier said as he left a meeting with Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov in Baku.
He added: “In Europe, we are also thinking about the creation of such systems and of their deployment. But for the moment we are not very far advanced in terms of the technology.”
The prime ministers of Poland and the Czech Republic met Monday to discuss the proposed US defence system in their countries. They have not yet formally agreed to accept the US shield but have welcomed plan, which the Washington says is intended to intercept possible attacks from Iran and North Korea.
Russia has strongly objected to having such a system on its doorstep. And in an interview on Monday with the German daily newspaper, Handelsblatt, Steinmeier said the United States should have discussed the plan with Russia before announcing it.
“One should have spoken with Russia earlier as the sites where they (the missiles) are to be stationed are close to Russia,” he said.
“Considering the strategic nature of such projects, I call for a cautious approach and intensive dialogue with all partners who are directly or indirectly affected,” he added.
