Germany hints at supporting NMD

In a turnaround from its previous stance on the National Missile Defense (NMD) system, Germany hinted at supporting the U.S. initiative Thursday, a move that could spark a dispute among European Union members. In a press interview, German Chancellor Gerhard Shroeder hinted that Germany might back the NMD, noting that the Berlin government could not remain isolated when the U.S. shield system was gaining steam. Germany earlier voiced opposition to the NMD on the grounds that the U.S. defense system might split the existing European security structure, which has the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) at its center.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld had announced at a security conference in Munich on Mar. 2 that the United States was ready to provide support for Europe if they decided to build their own missile defense system. The German chancellor stressed, however, that Berlin was not obliged to participate in the NMD system but that the final decision would be made based on whether Germany would be able to gain access to the NMD development technology.

Shroeder is slated to meet with U.S. President George W. Bush in Washington on Mar. 29 to discuss the NMD issue. If the German government formally commits to the U.S. defense initiative, it is likely to develop friction with France, which has so far opposed the NMD while favoring a proposal to build a separate European defense structure.

Paik Kyung-Hak stern100@donga.com