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Czech Republic, U.S. ink defence pact

PRAGUE: The U.S. and the Czech Republic on Tuesday signed an initial agreement to base a U.S. missile shield in Eastern Europe, saying the planned defensive umbrella would help protect U.S. allies.

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said the shield is a good deal for the Czech Republic and for Poland, where the U.S. hopes to place another part of the system, although Warsaw hasn’t yet agreed. The next U.S. President would have to decide whether and how to go forward with the missile defence system, said Ms. Rice, while making the case that the threat from Iran. She signed the agreement along with Czech Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg.

“This treaty will not only increase security of the Czech Republic but also of Europe and beyond,” said Mr. Schwarzenberg.

Ms. Rice has all but ruled out a stop in Poland this week to finalise plans for a U.S. missile defence shield in Europe, saying the U.S. has answered Polish demands for military hardware.

The missile systems, which the U.S. says are a defence against weapons from West Asia, and especially Iran, are unpopular in both the Czech Republic and in Poland, where the U.S. wants to place missiles and interceptors in the next five years. — AP

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