ForMin Aurescu underscores strictly defensive nature of missile shield, says threats over it unacceptable

Romania's Foreign Minister Bogdn Aurescu on Wednesday welcomed Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) General Phillip M. Breedlove, on which occasion he underscored the strictly defensive nature of the Deveselu missile defence shield as well as the unacceptable character of threats against Romania's allies over this issue, Romania's Foreign Ministry (MAE) reports in a press release.

Photo credit: (c) Simion MECHNO / AGERPRES PHOTO

"Aurescu underscored the need for the NATO ballistic missile defence system to be further developed so that the Warsaw summit meeting of NATO may declare the initial operational capability of the system following the commissioning in 2015 of the Aegis Ashore Facility at the Deveselu military base. In the same context, he pointed to the defensive nature of the NATO missile defence system, a system that is designed for the legitimate defence of NATO, fully in line with international law. Consequently, the threats against the NATO allies over this project are unacceptable," reads the release.

At the same meeting, the Romanian chief diplomat made an analysis of the latest developments in the crisis in Ukraine, underscoring the importance to secure a consolidated NATO presence in Romania by establishing two control and command centres, as well as the need for NATO to continue measures for the reassuring of the entire eastern flank, including in relation with Romania.

The minister spoke up in favour of NATO keeping its attention focused on the Black Sea zone, which he said is "an essential part of Euro-Atlantic security," voicing appreciation for the presence of NATO forces in the region and for the joint navy exercises and training conducted with the US.

On the other hand, Aurescu spoke in favour of the...