US official urges Czech Parliament to pass radar bill

The head of the US Missile Defense Agency, Lt. General Henry Obering III, has urged Czech Parliament to pass legislation on the deployment of a US radar base on Czech territory, making clear a refusal would represent a serious setback for the US. The Czech lower house began debating the issue on Wednesday, but it is clear the government will need to find support from among at least some in the opposition, until now strongly against the plan. The US is hoping to deploy its base to the Brdy military zone, some 70 km south of Prague, to serve as part of a broader defence shield in Europe. Mr Obering allowed that if the bill is rejected, the US has a backup plan. A vote on the radar is expected to take place next year.

Author: Jan Velinger