US shield must not be directed against Russia: FM Ivanov

MOSCOW (AFP) Dec 18, 2002
Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov warned Washington on Wednesday that the planned US missile defense shield must not be directed against Russia or its security interests, Interfax reported from Tokyo.

"Such steps must not hurt Russia's security interests, or the interests of other countries," Ivanov was quoted as saying.

"Such a move must also not prompt a new arms race," the minister added, in a response that was firmer in tone that an official foreign ministry statement issued earlier in Moscow.

US President George W. Bush announced Tuesday his decision to deploy a limited missile shield by 2004, a move that had been long opposed by Russia.

SPACE.WIRE