Russia will respond to accommodation in Norway elements of the ballistic missile defense system (BMD) NATO (missile defense). About it as transfers TASS, in an interview with the newspaper Dagbladet said the Ambassador of Russia in Norway Teimuraz Ramishvili.
“From our side, followed by the answer, and not only the response of Norway but the whole of NATO,” — said the diplomat.
Ramishvili added that Russia and Norway may be different points of view on the question of the missile shield NATO, however, the neighbors should engage in dialogue and find solutions that suit both sides. According to him, the leadership of the Scandinavian Kingdom refuses to discuss with Russia the Moscow disturbing question about the future role of Norway in the European missile defense system.
“Russia is not committed to the militarization of the Arctic”, — said Ramishvili. He also urged the Norwegian government to consider the implications of the new security policy before the decision about the Norwegian contribution to European missile defense will be made.
According to the diplomat, a serious problem in relations between Russia and Norway, the lack of dialogue. “Today Russia is in regular contact with the political leadership and military leaders of the United States, but not with the leadership of the Norwegian armed forces. It’s very sad,” said the Ambassador.
He added that Moscow and Oslo to 2013 were close relations, and countries have always managed to solve arising problems. “Let’s see what happens now. From 2014 to 2016 the Norwegian-Russian trade turnover dropped by 70 percent, and it should not be”, — said the Ambassador.
The creation of a European missile defense system is scheduled for completion by 2018. The US stressed that the main task of these objects is to protect Europe against a potential attack from Iran. In turn, in Moscow declare that the deployment of a missile defense system in Europe poses a threat to Russia’s national security.
In 2015, the Prime Minister of Norway, Erna, Solberg announced his country’s readiness to contribute to the creation of a European missile defense system. Recommendations the Norwegian Institute for defence studies and the missile defense Agency of the United States on this issue should be presented to the Norwegian government by the end of 2017. In particular, it is possible that the U.S. can place on the Norwegian Arctic island of vardø at the borders of the Russian Federation the new radar.