First vice PM, Finance Minister of Ukraine Mykola
Azarov disapproves disposal of US anti-missile systems in Czech Republic and Poland,
saying this intention is “a threat to Ukraine.”
“We may speak about Korea or Iran, but missiles
located near our territory are first of all objects for attack by any of the
sides, and it means involving of Ukraine into a conflict,” Azarov said Sunday
night in the air of the First national channel.
“And how would Polish authorities have reacted if, for
example, Russia had proposed and Ukraine had agreed to disposal of anti-missile
systems at the border with Poland? And what was the reaction of Americans when
the Soviet Union located its missiles on the Cuba’s territory. Recall Caribbean
crisis of 60s! So we must react the same way, because it is first of all threat
to Ukraine,” he said.
In this connection Azarov considers this issue will
not add forcible arguments to NATO supporters and supporters of Ukraine’s
accession into NATO.
The first vice PM also informed that this question had
not been discussed in the government yet, but certainly would be. At the same
time he noted that “this issue must concern the President, as foreign policy is
his prerogative.”
