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Photo: USS Monterey CG-61.
Russian Foreign Ministry expressed concern over "demonstrative" call of American guided missile cruiser USS Monterey CG-61 at Georgian port Batumi. Official comment was posted on the ministry's website on Tuesday, June 21.
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US cruiser's "demonstrative" visit to Georgia discomforts Russia
06/22/2011 |
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"Whatever justifications are given to such visit, Georgian leadership will definitely treat it as an encouragement of its revanchist plans against Russian allies – Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Such steps by no means will strengthen stability in the region", said the Russian Foreign Ministry's release.
It was also stated in the comment that US warships had visited Georgia not one time. For instance, American cruiser USS Anzio called at Batumi on June 9, 2011.
The foreign ministry pointed out in the end that such maneuvers were contravening the current nature of Russian-American relations. In particular, the ministry expressed concern that along with talks on Russia-US cooperation in missile defenses, "in fact, it is an operational 'anti-missile reconnaissance' in close proximity to Russian borders.
As was earlier reported, USS Monterey is supposed to become the part of missile defense system deployed by the US in Europe. The cruiser is equipped with Aegis system capable to track over 100 air targets simultaneously within a radius of 190 km. In March 2011, USS Monterey was dispatched to the Mediterranean Sea and entered the Black Sea in June.
Russia has repeatedly expressed concerns over missile defenses being deployed in Europe. According to popular belief, this system can be used against Russia. However, the US assures Russia it is not the case.