Thousands of people have taken to the streets of Prague to protest against proposed US anti-missile bases in the Czech Republic. The protest was organised by the public initiative “No to the Bases”.
For the U.S. the bases in Eastern Europe will be a shield against a possible threat from Iran, North Korea and what it calls other “rogue regimes.” But some of those who live in the Czech Republic do not want to play any part in the nuclear war games of other countries.An advanced Radar station planned for the Czech territory aims to detect any missile launched from as far away as the Russian Urals. The protestors in Prague fear this radar system would be a target for enemies of the U.S.Russia maintains that a U.S. defence presence in Eastern Europe would upset the balance of global security.Meanwhile the Pentagon' says negotiations have begun with Poland, to host up to 10,000 interceptors. Both the Poles and the Czechs are members of NATO.When asked about the concerns of Moscow, General Patrick O'Reilly from the Pentagon said the U.S. hopes to convince Russia, that the missile defences in Eastern Europe could also enhance Russia's security as well.If the plan fails the U.S. is also looking for other options to expand its system.