Russia planning radar in Transnistria?
Moscow might install an anti-missiles defense system in Transnistria. According to the Russian media outlets, which quote governmental sources, the decision to deploy this kind of hardware on the ground of the separatist region of Moldova is coming as a reply to the American anti-missile shield from Europe and the NATO military base which will be deployed in Romania.
The Russian Defense Minister argues against this statement saying that Russia will install radars, but only on their territory.
Igor Smirnov, the former leader of the secessionist region of Moldova previously said that Transnistria is ready to host a Russian Iskander shield if Kremlin will demand it.
Russia’s Nezavisimaya Gazeta newspaper wrote a story about the issue during Dmitry Rogozin’s visit to Chisinau and Tiraspol on April 16-17, 2012. The publication wrote that the radar’s hardware could be deployed in Tiraspol.
Moldova’s Defense Minister Vitalie Marinuta told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty in an interview that Russia has not right to install any radars or other defense systems on the ground of Transnistria without prior permission from Chisinau.
“Russia respects or at least should respect the integrity and the statehood of our country. Therefore, without Moldova’s consent, no radars in Transnistria can be deployed,” the Minister said.
Dmitry Rogozin, Russia’s envoy to Transnistria rejected any claims that Russia would install radars in the region.
“We have no such plans. The journalist invented and the Minister forbade,” Mr. Rogozin said on his Twitter page.
Washington wants to deploy an anti-missiles defense system at Deveselu, Romania and it shall be installed by 2015. Kremlin suspects the shield is set to counter Russia’s long-range nuclear deterrent. The administration from Washington assured the Russian Federation that their system is intended to protect Europe from the Iranian threats.
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