Czech govt wants vote on missile shield after US election

Prague (AFP) Oct 29, 2008

The Czech government Wednesday called for delaying a final vote on two agreements with Washington to deploy part of a missile shield system on Czech soil until a new US president takes office. The lower house of the Czech parliament Wednesday began a debate on the agreements to install a radar facility in the Czech Republic as part of a US missile defence system, which is strongly opposed by Russia.

But Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek said his government now wanted to extend the ratification process by six more weeks so that the final vote on the agreements, which must be ratified by both houses of parliament, would take place after the inauguration of US President George W. Bush’s successor in late January.

“We want a delay to make sure about the attitude of the new American administration,” said Topolanek. …

www.spacewar.com/reports/Czech_govt_wants_vote_on_missile_shield_after_US_election_999.html