Russia softens its stand on US-backed missile defense shield for Europe; China to construct the strategic Gwadar port in Pakistan
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  • Russia has said it may be ready to drop its objections to the US-backed missile defence shield for Europe if it receives a formal security pledge from the United States in writing. The comments by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov suggest an easing of Moscow's position and precede a meeting between US President Barack Obama and his Russian counterpart on the sidelines of G8 summit in France next week. "We are proposing, and asking for it to be put in writing, that the missile defence system for Europe is not directed against any of the participating states – not NATO, Russia or other European states," Lavrov said. However, written commitment has not been forthcoming from the United States and NATO. President Dmitry Medvedev used a closely watch pre-election television appearance this week to warn the United States of a return to the Cold War should the shield be constructed despite Russia's objections.1

    In another development, marking growing proximity between China and Pakistan, China has accepted Pakistan's request to take over operations at the strategic Gwadar port after an existing agreement with the Singapore Port Authority expires, Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar said Saturday. The request was made during Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani’s visit to China that ended Friday. Mukhtar was part of the delegation that accompanied Gilani. "We are grateful to the Chinese government for constructing the Gwadar port. However, we will be more grateful to the Chinese government if a naval base is constructed at the site of Gwadar for Pakistan," Mukhtar said adding that he discussed some "important strategic and economic issues" during the Pakistani side's meeting with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.2

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