Russian Ambassador to NATO rejects installing Iskander systems in Transnistria

Russian envoy to NATO Dmitri Rogozin rejects Transnistria’s intention of installing Iskander missiles, Ria Novosti reads. Rogozin considers that this could lead to a regional conflict and states that it would not be the case of efforts to re-launch US – Russia relationships if Moscow continues to find out from newspapers about the Unites States’ plan of installing missile shield elements in Romania.

„This situation could lead to a rather serious regional argument or even a political conflict. In regard to whether Iskanders should be deployed there or not, Iskander [missiles are] not a means to be used in such talks,” Rogozin declared. „How can we talk of a true partnership with Washington if we read unpleasant news in newspapers,” Rogozin added.

Tiraspol administration leader Igor Smirnov stated on Monday, February 15 2010, that Transnistria may accept hosting a Russian Iskander missile system if Russia should make such a proposal.