US, Russia talks lead to unprecedented intel sharing
BUDAPEST, Dec 13: Talks on a US plan to deploy a missile defence system in Eastern Europe have led to an unprecedented exchange of intelligence with Russia, the head of the US delegation said on Thursday.
John C. Rood, the secretary of state for arms control and international security, said negotiations had resulted in “the most detailed exchange of intelligence information we have ever had” with Russia.
“This is intelligence information the United States has previously only shared with Nato allies,” Rood said after meeting with a Russian team led by Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Kislyak. “It has been a useful dialogue.”
The US would like to deploy a missile defence system to protect European allies from potential threats from the Middle East, especially Iran.
Washington wants to place a radar base near Prague in the Czech Republic, and 10 interceptor missiles in neighbouring Poland as part of the system.
The two former Soviet satellites are now Nato members but Russia opposes the deal, saying it believes the real aim is to weaken Russia.
The meeting was the fourth on the issue since US President George W. Bush and Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks in Kennebunkport, Maine, in July. Rood did not elaborate on the progress of the talks.—AP
