The U.S. Considers Russia’s Statement Provocative

VLADIVOSTOK. 14 November. VOSTOK-MEDIA. The U.S. Secretary of Defence, Robert Gates considered Russia’s statement to deploy rockets “Iskander” in Kaliningradskaya oblast “provocative” and “a mistake”.
New American Administration should have got congratulations rather than threatening to deploy the rocket system “Iskander” in Kaliningradskaya oblast in order to “neutralize” American Ani-Missile System launching in Czech Republic and Poland. He implies that it is unlikely a coincidence that Russia’s statement has been made on the days of elections.
Mr Gates says that Russia’s claim to stop launching the 3d positional spot in Eastern Europe is not acceptable. Robert Gates says the biggest threat for Russia is Iran and deployment of “Iskander” in Europe, thus, will not help Russia. He said: “I do not understand why Russians need rockets in Europe. Washington is ready for constructive and efficient relations with Russia”.
The International Herald Tribune says that Jeff Morrel, representative of Pentagon, says that the U.S. wants to cooperate with Russia on Iran’s threat to stability and security in the world.
Jaap De Hoop Scheffer commented on Russia’s decision saying that NATO is not going to take counter measures. He said: “NATO considers complicated relations with Russia and will do everything in order to prevent launching the rocket system “Iskander”" (The Moscow Post).
The 6th round of NATO-Ukraine talks has been held in Tallinn. High ranked Ukrainian officials involved in the Alliance and other representatives were present at the meeting. The main issue was transformation of the Ukrainian security systems.
Despite the fact that a question of Ukraine efforts to join the action plan of membership in the Alliance was not in the agenda, Secretary of Defence, Robert Gates, tried to convince Germany and France to agree with Ukraine joining the action plan.