Will Poland reach third base?

The revelation of Poland's candidature for an American anti-missile base was disclosed to Associated Press by an anonymous Pentagon official. As part of a global defense network, underground rocket silos that most probably would be located in the country's mountainous south, would provide protection against long-range missiles. The AP says that according to  the American administration such missiles have emerged as a potential threat due to the proliferation of technologies that enable countries such as Iran, Syria, or Libya to construct such weapons.

Prime Minister Kazimierz Marcinkiewicz said in the blueprint for his government that Poland's readiness to participate in the American anti-missile defense system is a crucial factor in Polish-American relations. Last week he said he was opening a public debate on the issue.

According to the Pentagon officer, if everything goes well, the base in Poland will start operating in 2010. All investment costs will be covered by the US government.

Meanwhile, Polish governmental representatives have remained tight-lipped. Negotiations between Poland and the US are said to have already taken three years.