(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - A majority of people in the Czech Republic oppose their government's early commitment to participate in a United States missile defence shield, according to a poll by CVVM. 61 per cent of respondents are not in favour of building a base for the project inside their territory, and 71 per cent support holding a referendum to settle the matter.

In December 2002, U.S. president George W. Bush announced plans for the development of initial defence capabilities, which include ground-based and sea-based missile interceptors, as well as sensors located in space. Washington has explained the project as a means to defend the U.S. and its European allies from a potential attack by Iran or North Korea.

In January, the U.S. issued a formal request to place a radar base in the Czech Republic—in a military area southwest of Prague—as well as 10 interceptor missiles in Poland.

The Czech Republic—a member of both the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)—is expected to start negotiations with the U.S. on the construction of the radar base soon. Some EU officials have asked the Czech Republic to include the continental group in these discussions, but the government of Czech prime minister Mirek Topolanek has so far declined to do so.

On May 31, Topolanek defended his willingness to go ahead with the plan, saying the project is "not primarily about a radar and 10 interceptors—it's mainly about expressing the willingness to defend ourselves. Europe can survive without a radar, but without a will to defend itself, this civilization is lost."

Polling Data

Do you support or oppose the construction of a U.S. missile defence shield base in the Czech Republic?

Do you support or oppose holding a referendum to settle the issue?

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