NATO calls for missile defense cooperation

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The head of NATO has suggested that the United States, Russia and NATO could eventually link their missile defense systems against potential new nuclear threats. Meanwhile, Russia welcomed the call.

In a speech in Brussels in which he called for a rethink of NATO-Russia relations, NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen appealed for unity.... saying that the old foes must forget their lingering Cold War animosity.

Anders Fogh Rasmussen, NATO Secretary-General, said, "The proliferation of ballistic missile technology is of concern not just to NATO nations but to Russia too. Studying ways to counter this threat is in NATO's and Russia's fundamental strategic interest. We should explore the potential for linking the U.S., NATO and Russia missile defense systems at an appropriate time."

NATO hopes that Russia could back pressure on Iran to abandon its nuclear program.

The NATO Secretary-General also noted that the organization will continue its "open-door" policy for other countries to join, including Russia, if possible.