Obama's decision to abandon missile defence part of greater plans

Moscow, Sep 19 : Former Soviet Foreign Minister Eduard Shevardnadze has welcomed US President Barack Obama's decision to shelve plans for deployment of missile shield in Europe, saying it is a part of 'greater plans.' 'Now that the US has canceled its plans to deploy missile defense systems in Poland and the Czech Republic, the US and Russia should begin a real reduction of nuclear weapons and the UN has an opportunity to begin a new chapter in world history,' Mr Shevardnadze said in a statement.

''I have always talked about indications of a new Cold War, specifically, the deployment of US radars in the Czech Republic and Poland, because it would immediately be followed by a response from Russia,'' Interfax news agency quoted Mr Shevardnadze as saying.

''Fortunately, US President Obama has met my expectations.

Yesterday, I was very happy that he has given up the plans to deploy missile defense systems in Europe,'' he said.

''Russia will have no choice but to agree,'' he added.

Mr Shevardnadze said he believes Obama's decision is part of his foreign policy strategy.

''This step will be followed by more large-scale actions. I am confident that he has greater plans,'' Mr Shevardnadze stressed.

''The main thing is that Russia should take appropriate steps.

If Russia analyzes the situation correctly, both countries should begin the real process of nuclear weapons reduction, and the peoples of the world will support it,'' the former Georgian President said.

''There is nothing unexpected in my statement because the relations between the Soviet Union and the US changed radically when I was Foreign Minister, which resulted in the halving of both nuclear and conventional weapons,'' Mr Shevardnadze said.

''Obama's step may also be important in terms of regional stability if this process continues,'' he said.

''I think it will be good for Georgia, too,'' he said.

''Also, a lot depends on how the UN General Assembly and Security Council will proceed when this process begins. They are given an opportunity to begin a new stage in world history,'' Mr Shevardnadze said.