U.S. pushes for missile shield base in Turkey

The Pentagon has confirmed that missile defence was mentioned during U.S. Defence Secretary Robert Gates' visit to Turkey late last month. The revelation will add to rumours that Turkey plans to join Poland and the Czech Republic in hosting America’s cont

However no further details have been revealed. 

Washington claims its planned anti-missile shield is meant to provide defence against such states as Iran and North Korea. 

Moscow is strongly opposed to the plans, and sees the system as a threat to Russia’s national security. 

Russia has offered joint use of a radar station in Azerbaijan – which borders Turkey – as an alternative to bases in the Czech Republic and Poland. 

However the U.S. says it intends to push ahead with its original plans.