Baltic Stingers
The U.S. ambassador to Lithuania yesterday praised the Baltic
nation after it signed an agreement to purchase $31 million worth of
U.S. anti-aircraft missiles.
"In this area, and in so many other areas, Lithuania continues to
lead he way among NATO-aspirant countries," Ambassador John Tefft said.
Lithuania is one of seven Eastern and Central European countries
expected to join the trans-Atlantic alliance at this month's NATO summit
in the Czech Republic.
Lithuanian Defense Minister Linas Linkevicius signed the deal on
behalf of his government for the purchase of 60 Stinger missiles,
related equipment and training.
"What we are doing here lays the foundation for our activities once
we are invited [to join NATO]," he told reporters.
He said Lithuania plans to develop a modern anti-aircraft unit to
meet NATO standards by 2006.
"These will be NATO forces, but located in Lithuania and directly
involved in our own national defense," he said.
http://www.washtimes.com/world/embassy-200211140485.htm
Serbian News Network - SNN
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