| Protest against US radar base plan in Prague |
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| World Affairs Talk | |
| Wednesday, 07 March 2007 | |
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The issue has awoken Czech memories of their Cold War-era occupation by Soviet-led troops and drawn strong criticism from Russia. The protesters claimed that the move would seriously undermine the safety and interests of the Czech people. The base would become the target of the first strike in the event of a military conflict, they added. Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek has said he sees no reason to hold a referendum on the base, describing it as a "technical" and "security" issue that does not lend itself to such consultation. Rally organizer Jan Tamas says the message is clear: The antimissile system, which Washington says is needed against ballistic missile threats from foes such as Iran and North Korea, should not be based in the Czech Republic, even if the country is in NATO. Prime Minister Topolanek announced on January 20 that Washington had officially asked to start negotiations on the radar base. The talks between the USA and the Czech Republic on the possible deployment of the radar installation however will take about one year. The base will reportedly form part of a widened interceptor missile defense system, which U.S. officials have said could be split between the Czech Republic and Poland. The second part of the missile defence system, defence missiles, is likely to be in Poland. Up to 200 people may work at the base. The radar station could start to operate in the Czech Republic in 2011. The demonstrators brandished banners with a crossed-out missile and chanted slogans such as "Resign, resign!", "No to Bases!", "Stop Bush," "We do not want the US here!" and "Bush is a Fascist!". The police did not hamper the march and when the crowd left Wenceslas Square, they regulated the traffic. Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek said earlier that the project was not aimed against big powers such as Russia or China, but against terrorist attacks and countries as North Korea or Iran. Hosting the radar station would require parliament’s approval, and it is unclear whether the government would have the necessary support. Opponents of the radar station are urging the main opposition party, the Social Democrats, as well as the Green Party, which is part of the ruling coalition, to clarify their position on the issue. Where those parties come down on the question could determine the radar station’s fate. Share & Bookmark             |
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