Biden said that Washington will have the same good relationship with any President who will come to Cotroceni following the November elections. Also, ongoing economic projects will continue to be supported. “You understood from the start, while other colleagues, such as those in Poland, are just now understanding the advantages of the new American project involving the SM-3 rockets,” Biden said.
The announcement made on 17 September by President Barack Obama regarding foregoing his predecessor’s plans for locating elements of the U.S. missile defence in the Czech Republic and Poland generated concerns not just in Prague and Warsaw, but in other capitals in Central and Eastern Europe.
“Some jumped to the conclusion that this new missile defense approach was designed to appeal to Russia at the expense of Central Europe. They are wrong. Missile defense is not about Russia. Our approach is driven by the security requirements of the United States and NATO. We made this decision to protect Europe from real threats with proven capabilities,” Biden added.
The purpose of the Vice President’s tour in Eastern Europe, which include visits to Warsaw, Bucharest, and Prague, was to assure the capitals in the region that the Obama Administration is maintaining its political commitment made by George W. Bush.
“What is true is that we are working to strengthen our relationship with Russia. (…) We also continue to have disagreements with Russia on matters of principle. The United States stands against the notion of “spheres of influence.” We stand for the right of sovereign democracies to make their own decisions and choose their own alliances. And we pledge that we will never make a deal about anything with anyone above your heads or behind your backs. The maxim we live by is clear: nothing about you without you,” Biden added.
However, in the press statement preceding his meeting with President Traian Băsescu at Cotroceni Palace, Biden recommended that Romania build a “pragmatic” relationship with Russia.
Regarding the political reality in Bucharest, Biden did not hesitate to make reference to Romania’s upcoming presidential elections, in the presence of Băsescu, saying that “healthy competition is essential for a democracy to live.” Vice President Biden also met three other presidential candidates yesterday: Mircea Geoană, Crin Antonescu, and Sorin Oprescu.
