Gorbachev slams – Havel defends – plans for US radar base

Former Soviet president Mikhail Gorbachev has come out strongly against plans by the US to site a radar base in the Czech Republic – as part of a broader missile defense system in Europe. In an interview for public broadcaster Czech TV on Monday, the former Soviet leader questioned whether the system was in fact being planned against rogue states like Iran, saying on the contrary it was aimed against Russia and China. His views contrasted with those of former Czech president Vaclav Havel who appeared on the same show. He defended the project – calling it a “first chance” for the Czech Republic to accommodate its ally, the US.

Two legendary political figures, two opposing views on missile defense: on Monday Mikhail Gorbachev and Vaclav Havel both addressed the issue in separate interviews for Czech TV. Not altogether surprisingly, Mr Gorbachev came out against, making clear just how sensitive an issue missile defense is for Russians: “You believe [the system] will be used against Iran?” the former Soviet leader said, “The whole system is aimed against Russia and China”. His words echoed many months of criticism by the Kremlin, which has so far failed to see eye to eye on the matter with the US. A little earlier I spoke to Oldrich Bures, a specialist on Russia at Charles University:

It is difficult to gauge why Mr Gorbachev reacted as strongly as he did, although the reason could lie in the past. Once again, Oldrich Bures:

“This is purely speculative but you could argue that the whole project started under Mr Gorbachev’s watch when Ronald Reagan first came forward with the Star Wars defense initiative. Maybe there is some residual from the past which still haunts him.”

Vaclav Havel, photo: CTK

On Monday Mr Gorbachev stated repeatedly the US system was aimed against Russia, although by definition the system is one of prevention. Meanwhile, former Czech president Vaclav Havel, took note of Mr Gorbachev’s words on Monday but said that the Czech Republic should accommodate the US. He also emphasized that whether or not a US base would be stationed in the Czech Republic would not be Russia’s decision.

In his words, at times Russia “seemed to forget where its borders began and ended”, thinking that “what belonged to it once, belonged to it still”.

Most Czechs, polls suggest, are still opposed to a US radar base being stationed on Czech territory but that hasn’t stopped the Czech government from going ahead with the project. Representatives are now in final negotiations and talks with the US are expected to wrap up soon. According to many analysts – both here and abroad - Russia may react with discontent, but there is little it can do to prevent the radar from becoming a reality if the US and the Czech Republic strike a deal.