Czech PM: Russia may inspect US radar base in Czech Republic

Russian inspectors might be able to check the assembly and operation of the U.S. radar base in Brdy military area, Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek indicated in an interview for Czech Television. Mr Topolanek said that the cooperation would improve relations between US and Russia. He added, however, that no Russian soldiers will be permanently present at the base.

Earlier this week, US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates mentioned the possibility of Russian presence at the Czech radar facility in order to overcome Russian hostility to its European anti-missile shield. He added that the agreement wouldn't be signed without Czech consent. The US offer to allow a Russian presence at the planned American radar base in the Czech Republic has been criticised by the Czech left-wing opposition as well as by number of government politicians.