Russian analyst blasts Polish missile plan

MOSCOW, Feb. 27 (UPI) -- The head of a Moscow think tank said Thursday U.S. plans to install Patriot missiles in Poland justify Russian delay on a new arms reduction treaty.

Vladimir Anokhin, vice president of the Academy of Geopolitical Problems, responded to a statement from Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, the Novosti news agency reported. Sikorski said Wednesday the Patriots will be placed in Poland whether or not a larger missile defense system is installed there.

"It is another reason for us not to return to the Conventional Forces in Europe treaty," Anokhin said. "We have no plans to attack Poland, so these guys are simply puffing their chests out, trying to create an image of an important country."

The Bush administration signed agreements last year to place 10 interceptor missiles in Poland and radar in the Czech Republic.