Klaus tells Washington Times radar base not Russia’s business

Czech President Václav Klaus, on a visit to the US this week, told the US newspaper the Washington Times that an American radar base planned in the Czech Republic was a decision for the Czech government and “not Russia’s business”. Russia continues to strongly oppose the project, rejecting claims US missile defence was protection against rogue states. In his interview, the Czech president said there was little chance Russia would drop its objections. Earlier, Mr Klaus met with US vice president Dick Cheney to discuss the radar, which has been proposed as part of a broader US missile defence shield in Europe. The Czech government has agreed on the treaty covering the base, expected to be signed in the coming months. Despite the government’s backing, polls have repeatedly suggested that two-thirds of the public continues to oppose the project.