Press Advisories

17. 9. 200914:37

PM Fischer: President Obama has informed me that he is withdrawing from the plan to build a radar

Speech of Prime Minister Jan Fischer.

Early past midnight today I spoke to the president of USA Barack Obama who informed me that his administration had reconsidered its intention to build a radar facility in the Czech Republic as a part of the missile defense system. I immediately contacted the Czech president to inform him on the above issue.

The Czech Republic notes the decision of the president of USA.

We have been aware of the possibility that the American allies could reconsider their intention to build an anti-missile shield in Central Europe. At the NATO Summit in April we adopted a resolution focusing on building a defense system against real, existing threats, i.e. short range and medium range missiles.

We expect that the United States will continue cooperating with the Czech Republic on concluding the relevant agreements on our mutual R&D and military collaboration including the financing of specific projects.

President Obama assured me that USA would not change its position on this issue.

This afternoon the Vice-chairman of the government and Minster of Foreign Affairs Mr. Jan Kohout will have a meeting with the American counterparts regarding the details of the above mentioned decision.