Austria’s defense minister said a planned U.S. missile shield defense system in eastern Europe was a “provocation,” and called on Washington to abandon the project, according to a news report published Thursday.
Norbert Darabos told Die Presse that U.S. officials should instead seek a compromise with those who oppose the system, including Russia and some in Europe.
“I regard it as a provocation,” Darabos said in the interview, excerpts of which were released late Wednesday. He reportedly accused Washington of “unnecessarily reviving old Cold War debates.”
FOR SUBSCRIBERSA harrowing ordeal aboard an Israel-bound plane
FOR SUBSCRIBERSThe debate over AI’s future rages on both coasts
The United States argues that the system, which would include 10 interceptor missiles in Poland and a radar based in the Czech Republic, would help guard against a potential threat from Iran.
FOR SUBSCRIBERSA harrowing ordeal aboard an Israel-bound plane
FOR SUBSCRIBERSThe debate over AI’s future rages on both coasts
Russia has voiced outrage at the plans and warned it could spark a new arms race.
Opposition also remains high in the two former Soviet satellites, both of which are now members of NATO and the European Union.














