Russia Fires SS-21 Ballistic Missiles at the Republic of Georgia, Poland Agrees to Have US Missile Defense
WASHINGTON, Aug. 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Riki Ellison, President
of the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance (http://www.missiledefenseadvocacy.org),
issued the following statements about the situation in Europe concerning
Russia, Poland and the Republic of Georgia.
"Over the last few days Russia has fired over two dozen SS-21 Ballistic
Short Range Missiles into the country of Georgia, integrating ballistic
missile strikes with their conventional military forces. The SS-21 is a
road mobile, solid fuel, single stage ballistic missile, which is
maneuverable in flight and carries a high-explosive warhead weighing up to
1060lbs. with 150 meter accuracy. It has a range of 43 miles. These
missiles have been used by the Russians tactically for psychological and
military targets as the Georgians do not have the capability to defend
against or defeat ballistic missiles.
"The use of ballistic missiles by Russia in this conflict sends an
endorsement to the international community that the use of ballistic
missiles has value, thus propelling countries and terrorist organizations
to develop, purchase and continue to proliferate ballistic missiles. Modern
warfare continues to integrate and use ballistic missiles as a tactic.
"This outward military aggression with the use of ballistic missiles
from Russia on a former USSR country sends a very serious message to all
former members of the Soviet Block, especially Poland, who today made an
agreement with the United States to host 10 U.S. ground-based missiles that
will protect the United States of America and most of Europe from ballistic
missiles. This agreement will also provide Poland with U.S. Patriot Missile
Defense Batteries that have the capability to defeat and defend against
short range ballistic missiles. Deploying a United States Strategic asset
that protects the national security of the United States in the Country of
Poland further enhances the security and sovereignty of Poland. 72% of the
American public supports this missile defense agreement with Poland. To
view the most recent public survey regarding missile defense at
http://www.missiledefenseadvocacy.org and click on surveys."
