Romanian President Traian Basescu's statement according to which Romania is ready to host elements of the American missile shield on its territory triggered a negative reaction from Moscow, Nezavisimaia gazeta reads. Not only makes it more difficult to discuss the cut of strategic arms, but the perspective of Russia - US cooperation to create a joint air defence system was blurred.
The project could hinge the Russian-American relationships from taking the normal path. Upon hearing Basescu speak, ex-Moldavian president Vladimir Voronin opinionated: "Once again Moldova is involved in a complex situation, being practically transformed in the area between frontlines, challenging Russia to have a similar reaction in Transnistria". NG comments that Voronin's emotional reaction can be explained. Small and medium countries become puppets in a foreign game, with unpredictable consequences.
The Russian specialists believe that it is absurd to assume that the issue of Transnistria has ever played a role in the American decision. Washington considered Romania to be the most appropriate region to host the new missile shield elements.
Ex-major state chief of special trained soldiers Viktor Esin declared that lacing the American air defence system elements in Romania, namely a Standart missiles system, does not represent a potential threat for the Russian nuclear and missile potential. Submarines carrying missiles are currently in the Black Sea and the closest ground strategic base is in Saratov.
Although the changes to the Standart system the Americans intend to have in Romania are not yet known, they are meant to detect short and medium reach missiles. At the moment, the Standart missiles reach does not overpass 300 km and the future perspective wants to enable them to travel 500-1000 km. But on the other hand, the American ships equ
