press releases 2009

Statement by U.S. Ambassador to Poland Victor Ashe on President Obama’s Announcement of Strengthening Missile Defense in Europe

18 September 2009

Yesterday President Obama announced a new approach on missile defense, recommended by Secretary Gates, which is stronger, smarter, and swifter than the 2007 European missile defense program.  This new approach is grounded in more advanced, proven technology that will provide more robust and more comprehensive defense of American forces and America’s allies.

The United States counts Poland among its closest Allies and friends.  We are as committed as ever to our relationship with Poland, and the strong connection we’ve shared for many years.  Consultations on the way forward for missile defense will continue between our two governments.  The role Poland would play in the new, phased, adapted approach is as crucial now as in the past.

All of the same opportunities for partnership between the United States and Poland that existed under the previous program continue to exist under this program; however, this new plan would stage a new form of missiles in Poland– the SM-3’s.  In addition, due to advances in technology, this system has the potential to be operational several years earlier than the previous one.

As President Obama said yesterday, the United States is committed to a broad range of cooperative efforts to strengthen our collective defense.  The announcement of this new system is a positive step forward, and a real opportunity to work together with our Allies.