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PRESS RELEASE
CND demands full debate on dangerous 'Star Wars' system
24 March 2006: for immediate release
CND has expressed outrage at a US statement earlier this week
that Britain may host interceptor missiles for the US 'Star Wars' system. Lt
Gen Trey Obering, head of the US Missile Defence Agency, has stated that
Britain is one of three candidates to host interceptors designed to shoot
down incoming ballistic missiles.
The Ministry of Defence has denied that there have been any formal
discussions on this matter. Other British officials say that the
position remains - as Geoff Hoon stated in 2004 - that such a decision
would be 'open to scrutiny and debate in the normal way'. The Pentagon
has also denied that such a development has taken place. However, it seems
strange that a senior US general, in charge of the project, should be
so misinformed, leaving open the possibility that the general has inadvertently
disclosed as yet secret information. He stated that Britain, Poland and
the Czech Republic were on the final shortlist to host the interceptors.
CND today called for a full and open debate on this issue. CND Chair Kate
Hudson said:
'The US Missile Defence system will enable the US to launch pre-emptive
attacks without fear of retaliation and thus increases global tensions
and the likelihood of a new nuclear arms race. Fylingdales radar station
in Yorkshire is already part of the system, placing Yorkshire in the firing
line in the event of future hostilities, but to station missiles in Britain
will massively increase the risk of attack that Britain faces. Recent
statements by Lt General Obering are deeply worrying, and it is vital
that a full parliamentary and public debate takes place on this major
question of national security. This is too important - and too dangerous
- a decision to be taken behind closed doors.'
end
Notes to Editor:
1. For further information and interviews please contact Rick Wayman,
CND's Press & Communications Officer, on 0207 7002350 or 07968 420859
2. The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) is one of Europe’s
biggest single-issue peace campaigns, with over 32,000 members in the
UK. CND campaigns for the abolition of all nuclear weapons everywhere.
www.cnduk.org
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