Romanian president Traian Basescu announced on Thursday that the country will co-operate with the U.S. over its plans of an anti-missile shield to protect Europe. 

 

[Traian Basescu, Romanian President]:

"…Romania's participation in the missile shield was approved, following U.S. President Barack Obama's invitation." 

 

The U.S. will deploy interceptor missiles in Romania. 

 

[Traian Basescu, Romanian President]:

"Terrestrial interceptors will be located inside the national territory. According to the timetable agreed with the U.S., the anti-missile system will be operational in Romania starting 2015…”

 

The missile shield was not welcomed by Russia. But Basescu says that the participation of Romania was not meant to threaten Moscow. 

 

[Traian Basescu, Romanian President]:

“…The new system is not against Russia. I want to categorically stress this. Romania does not host a system against Russia, but against other threats…"

 

The project appeared to be part of the revamped approach taken by U.S. President Obama. He scrapped a Bush-era plan for a radar site and interceptor rockets in the Czech Republic and Poland.