Prague - In case the disputed US radar base is built on Czech soil in the end, Russia will not be satisfied with irregular inspections to the base. Moscow insists on stationing some Russian engineers at the base.
Russian ambassador to Prague Alexej Fedotov said this in a political talkshow Otázky Václava Moravce (Questions of Václav Moravec) broadcast by public service Czech TV every Sunday.
Read more: Czech politicians against Russians at base
"Adequate reaction"
"Russian side might be happy only when our inspectors are present permanently at the anti-missile radar base," said Fedotov. He stressed that this as well includes facility to be built in Poland.
US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice is scheduled tomorrow to sign the treaty which could come into force only after it is ratified by the Czech parliament and signed by president Václav Klaus.
Read more: Rice due to sign a missile defense treaty next week
This treaty allows Russian inspections on the condition they are approved by the Czech side. For Russians, however, such a measure is not enough.
On top of that, Fedotov said that if the Czech Republic signs the treaty, Russia will proceed to "adequate steps" that would secure its own security. Fedotov refused to elaborate on the "measures" he had in mind.
Russian and European security concerns
Ambassador Fedotov further informed that Russian Defense Ministry representative will attend an anti-missile defense conference in Prague to be held between 8-11 July.
"He will explain the Russian Federation's position and detail what effects the project will have on the European security," said the ambassador.
Fedotov also claimed that his country's stance toward the US anti-missile defense system remains unchanged, as nothing dispelled Russians´ doubts over the radar base on Czech soil.
"Russian official spheres feel deeply alarmed about the Russian security if the treaty is signed," added Fedotov.
