Patriot Missile Deployment Is Against Russia - Lavrov

1-25-10

(PAP, RIA Novosti) -- Poland is giving the impression that it is strengthening its defences directly against Russia, says Moscow's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov.

The comment comes after reports this week that Poland is to situate US Patriot missiles 100 kilometers from the border with Kaliningrad, Russia. The Kremlin is seeking full information on the announcement, said the Russian foreign minister.

Poland defence minister, Bogdan Klich has denied there is anything significant about the placing of the Patriot missile battery and 100 US troops so close to the Russian border.

"[The town of] Morag was selected for the deployment some time ago without a public announcement on the decision. The decision has no political or strategic significance whatsoever," he said.

Moscow dismissed yesterday earlier reports that it was strengthening its Baltic fleet in response to what it saw as a an aggressive move by Poland and the US.

The patriot missile battery should be in situ by 2011.

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