Russians could only inspect US base in Czech Republic under bilateral deal, says Topolánek

Prime Minister Topolánek says if Russians inspectors are to be allowed visit a planned US radar base in the Czech Republic, Moscow will have to permit Czechs to inspect Russian facilities. He also said that the presence of Russian officials at an American base in the Czech Republic would only be with the agreement of the Czech government. Mr Topolánek was reacting to comments made on Friday by Russia’s ambassador to NATO, Dmitry Rogozin; he said Washington’s suggestion that Czechs and Russians carry out mutual checks was a joke.

The US wants to locate a radar, part of a global anti-missile defence system, in Brdy, central Bohemia. The issue still has to be voted on the Czech Parliament.