Putin: US shield makes Europe "powder keg"

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Source: CCTV.com | 05-30-2007 09:35

Portugal's Prime Minister Jose Socrates (L) and Russia's President Vladimir Putin talk as they meet in Moscow, May 29, 2007. (ITAR-TASS/PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE/Reuters)

Russia's president has warned that deploying US missile shields in Europe will turn the continent into what he calls a "powder keg". Vladimir Putin made the claim after talks on Tuesday with Portuguese Prime Minister, Jose Scorates.

Putin said, "I have also made a point that Russia is concerned about US commitments under the Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty and the deployment of a US missile shield in Europe. Our point is clear -- we consider it harmful and dangerous to turn Europe into a powder keg and to stuff it with new weapons."

Meanwhile, Russia's Defense Ministry says it has test-fired a new intercontinental ballistic missile. This features multiple warheads designed to overcome missile defense systems.

Editor:Du Xiaodan