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Austria says U.S. missile shield a 'provocation'

Defense minister reportedly calls on Washington to abandon the project

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updated 5:45 a.m. ET Aug. 23, 2007

VIENNA, Austria - Austria’s defense minister said a planned U.S. missile shield defense system in eastern Europe was a “provocation,” and called on Washington to abandon the project, according to a news report published Thursday.

Norbert Darabos told Die Presse that U.S. officials should instead seek a compromise with those who oppose the system, including Russia and some in Europe.

“I regard it as a provocation,” Darabos said in the interview, excerpts of which were released late Wednesday. He reportedly accused Washington of “unnecessarily reviving old Cold War debates.”

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The United States argues that the system, which would include 10 interceptor missiles in Poland and a radar based in the Czech Republic, would help guard against a potential threat from Iran.

Russia has voiced outrage at the plans and warned it could spark a new arms race.

Opposition also remains high in the two former Soviet satellites, both of which are now members of NATO and the European Union.

© 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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