U.S. Vice-president Biden to hold talks in Prague on October 23

Biden will bring the same message also to Poland, another country where a part the now-cancelled U.S. missile defence was to be installed.

A part of Czech politicians and people view the U.S. decision not to install an anti-missile radar on Czech soil as Washington's humiliating concession to Russia, which had been sharply opposed to the plan.

The U.S. now wants to create a different system of missile defence that would better cope with potential threats of attacks from countries such as Iran.

The Washington Post's server recently quoted Ellen Tauscher, U.S. under secretary of state, as saying that instead of the radar the Czech Republic might host headquarters for the direction and control of certain elements of the planned new version of missile defence.

Biden is visiting the Czech Republic half a year after the visit of U.S. President Barack Obama. He will spend one day in the Czech Republic. It is not yet clear whether he will stay overnight.

Apart from the Czech Republic and Poland, Biden will also visit Romania.

The U.S. Department of State has said Biden wants to emphasise by his visit the continuing importance of the region and partnership in NATO. At the same time, his visit could clarify the opportunities for the countries concerned to join the modified missile defence system in areas such as science and development.

The creation of the anti-missile shield in Europe was promoted by the former U.S. Administration of George W.Bush, which also negotiated and signed the relevant "radar" treaties with Czechs. The Czech parliament has not ratified them.

Obama and his team have reassessed the plan.

Autor: ČTK
www.ctk.cz