Ambassador Victor Ashe

Missile defense cooperation is an important issue for the United States and Poland.

Pursuant to President George W. Bush's commitment to adjust our worldwide defense posture to meet 21st century threats, the United States Government has decided to pursue the placement of a missile defense interceptor site in Poland coupled with a radar facility in the Czech Republic.  

The U.S. and Polish Governments have begun formal negotiations on the proposal.  U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for International Security and Nonproliferation, John C. Rood, is leading those negotiations with Poland.  Our goal remains to conclude negotiations by the fall of 2007.

The information on this web page is intended to enhance your knowledge of the U.S. missile defense system and our proposal to Poland and the Czech Republic.  Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.

Missile defense is a serious issue directly bearing upon the national security of both our nations, an issue transcending partisan politics and superficial judgments.  All of us – governments, academics, journalists and politicians – owe it to the public to have a rational and fact-based discussion on the merits of the initiative.

Thank you for your interest.

Sincerely yours,

Victor Ashe
U.S. Ambassador to Poland