BERLIN (AP) – Germany’s foreign minister on Wednesday urged the U.S. to consider the price of unilaterally pushing through plans to locate missile defense facilities in eastern Europe, and also appealed to Russia to show “real interest” in dialogue. Germany, which currently chairs the European Union and the Group of Eight, has called for discussions within NATO on the disputed plan. The U.S. plan to place a radar base in the Czech Republic and 10 interceptor missiles in Poland as part of its proposed missile defense shield – meant to counteract Iran’s potential future missile capabilities – has infuriated Russia, which has suggested it could lead to a new arms race. “I understand the wish of the USA to protect itself against an attack with long-range weapons, but I also say that neither friendship nor peace can be forced with military superiority alone,” Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said in parliament. “I ask the USA to consider very carefully the price of a stationing decision carried through in disharmony,” Steinmeier said.
