Russia 'concerned' over U.S.-Romania plans

BRUSSELS, Feb. 9 (UPI) -- Russia says it is concerned about U.S. plans to place anti-ballistic interceptor missiles in Romania, but remains open to an explanation.

Vladimir Chizov, Russia's envoy to the European Union, told Tuesday's EUObserver that the plans are "a source of concern for us."

But, he reportedly added, Russia is still interested in participating in a "common assessment" of threats with Europe and the United States.

Romanian President Traian Basescu announced last week he had accepted an invitation by the Obama administration to host land-based anti-ballistic missiles as part of U.S. plans to defend Europe against Iran and other threats.

The EUobserver said Russia's reaction was muted compared to its vehement denunciation of Bush administration efforts to place anti-Iranian missile defense shield elements in Poland and the Czech Republic.

"One could argue that Romania is somewhat closer to Iran than Poland, but still, according to our information Iran will neither now nor in the foreseeable future posses any missiles capable of reaching Romania," Chizov told the publication. "Not to mention Poland, central Europe or the United States."

Pentagon officials disagree, however, saying Iran has missiles capable of hitting European targets.