Czechs say want no Russian soldiers at radar site

By Jan Korselt

PRAGUE (Reuters) - Senior Czech politicians are angry over Washington's suggestion that Russians be allowed to staff a radar station in the former Soviet satellite.

The radar would form part of a proposed U.S. missile shield in Europe that sparked a row between Washington and Moscow.

"Perhaps a Russian expert may be there but in no case a Russian soldier. I simply do not want any Russian soldiers on Czech territory," said Jan Vidim, head of the lower house defense committee.

The idea has rekindled memories of decades of Soviet occupation. The Soviets invaded Czechoslovakia in 1968 and installed a hardline Communist leadership that ended 1991.

"A Russian soldier was an occupier," Vidim said.

The station would form part of a U.S. missile shield in Europe aimed at intercepting missiles from "rogue states" such as North Korea and Iran. Russia has said the shield would hurt its interests and the real aim is to track Russian territory.

Visiting Prague this week, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said that if the Czechs agreed, the U.S. would consider allowing a Russian presence at the station.

Czech upper house chairman Premysl Sobotka told daily Lidove Noviny he doubted parliament would agree to any Russian mission.