Russian foreign minister says U.S. hopes to win nuclear superiority over Russia

[Purveyor]

MOSCOW: U.S. plans for missile defense sites in Europe suggest the United States is seeking nuclear superiority over Russia, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in an interview published Wednesday.

In remarks pointing to a growing lack of trust, Lavrov called for new arms control negotiations and said simple U.S. assurances that the Cold War foes are no longer enemies are insufficient.

---snip---

Persistent Russian criticism of the plan comes at a low point in relations between the Cold War superpowers, with an assertive Russia lambasting U.S. conduct and the United States accusing the Kremlin of backtracking on democracy and using energy as a political weapon.

Lavrov, in an interview with the official daily Rossiiskaya Gazeta, issued the latest dismissal of Washington's assurances that its plan to deploy 10 interceptor missiles in Poland and a radar in the Czech Republic is meant to counter a missile threat from Iran.

"If they talk about potential threats coming from Iran or North Korea, missile defense elements should be located in a different place," Lavrov said. "We can't help noting that these facilities would be capable of intercepting missiles launched from Russia."

---end of excerpt---

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/02/21/europe/EU-GEN-Russia-US-Missiles.php

[BluePatriot]

1. I can't help but think...

...the following about our leadership when I read about this latest flap:

"Arrrgh f*ing morons pissed off the f*ing Russians -- those f*ing f*ing morons geez what a bunch of idiots"

Sigh. :banghead:

[ixion]

2. ironic... the GOP constantly hails Ray-Gun for 'ending' the Cold War

while right behind him comes the chimp stoking it back up. :crazy:

[maddezmom]

3. Russian, U.S. advisers acknowledge feuds

MOSCOW - The Russian and U.S. national security advisers on Thursday acknowledged disagreements amid increasingly tense relations, but pledged to work closely together to overcome them.

The meeting came as Washington and Moscow traded heated criticism over issues including U.S. plans to place elements of a missile defense in former Soviet satellites in Europe.

Russian Security Council Secretary Igor Ivanov told reporters "there are disagreements, there are misunderstandings, including on security matters."

"That is why it is very important that the dialogue that we have continues to develop at all levels and allows us to deal with those issues so that they don't damage bilateral relations," Ivanov said.

President Bush's national security adviser, Stephen Hadley, said the two countries should continue to seek common ground when they disagree.

more:http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070222/ap_on_re_eu/russia_us

[tom_paine]

4. Hitler and Stalin quarreled: they, too, were opposite versions of the same man

As are Little Boots Bushler and Comrade Putin. They are, without a doubt the Kinder and Gentler Hitler and Stalin of today.