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The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 09-09-17The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>CONTENTS[01] US Drops Missile Shield PlanU.S. President Barrack Obama will abandon controversial plans championed by his predecessor George Bush to build a missile-defense system in Poland and the Czech Republic. The US President officially announced the withdrawal of the plan, explaining that the Iran threat would be dealt with a faster and more flexible defense system. NATO chief and the Kremlin hailed Barrack Obama new approach, a step that would ease tensions with Russia and open a new era of cooperation with Europe. Analysts believe that US shift is linked with the war in Afghanistan and the thorny issue of Iran.Obama phoned the premiers of Poland and the Czech Republic on Wednesday night and informed them that the US has revised its plans to deploy a missile defense system in Poland and the Czech Republic promising instead a stronger, swifter defense system to protect U.S. allies against any threat from Iran. Talk of dropping the system follows a review ordered by Obama that's due to be completed next week and will recognize that Iran's long-range missile program hasn't progressed as expected, reducing the perceived threat to the U.S. and major European cities. Russia hailed the step as a positive move which had led US-Russia relations in a clod war climate. Barrack Obama prefers better ties with Russia instead of confrontation so that the two former Cold War foes can cooperate on sanctions against Iran, fight against the Taliban in Afghanistan as Russia allows supplies to US troops to pass through its territory. NATO members Poland and the Czech Republic view this move by the Obama administration as a total failure and a sign of weakness, especially in the eyes of Russia. Obama reassured them that their security is not at risk. Open is the issue of billions of dollars contracts claimed by major US defense contractors involved in the previous defense plans. Sources: ÍÅÔ-ÁNA/ÌPAOlder news items: News item: 26876 The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |