Russia Today | 18 November 2007, 06:44 - Around a thousand people have gathered in the centre of the Czech capital Prague to protest against U.S. plans to build a missile defence system in Eastern Europe. The 'No to Bases' movement is calling for a national referendum on the issue.

Hundreds of Czechs gathered in Prague’s Wenceslas Square. The protesters want a voice in the missile base debate, but say the government is not listening.

Opinion polls show 68 % of the population oppose U.S. plans to build a missile defence base in the Czech Republic.

Despite this, the Czech government is ploughing ahead in its negotiations with the United States. A decision is set for early next year.

The protesters chose November 17 to hold their demonstration as this marks the start of the Velvet Revolution, which led to the collapse of the Communist regime back in 1989. It’s the day of struggle for freedom and democracy.

68% of population oppose U.S. plans

The rally organiser, the ‘No to Base’ campaign group, says it’s concerned that 18 years on and the country’s still a poor reflection of a democracy.

"We’re saying it is now almost the same thing as before the Velvet Revolution. So that’s why we’re here today protesting for democracy, for real democracy and for a referendum – on this issue, as well as on any other issue that we will face in the future," Jan Tamas, ‘No to Base’ campaign organiser said.

Nevertheless, the Czech government denies the need for a referendum on the missile-base issue, saying the country is democratic enough as it is.

"The fact that this anti-missile-base protest is going ahead is evidence that this is a democratic country. People are entitled to voice their own opinions, for and against," Mirek Topolanek, the Czech Prime Minister said.

Russia has strongly objected to having the installations in Eastern Europe. President Vladimir Putin’s concerned the U.S. wants to alter the balance of power in the region by bringing military assets so close to Russia's border. He has warned the missile shield could trigger a new arms race between the former Cold War foes.

Washington has tried to allay these fears. It says a missile defence shield is intended purely to counter a presumed future threat from Iran, North Korea and other "rogue regimes".

But for the protesters in the Czech capital the U.S. move could pose a threat to their own national security. It’s a dangerous weapons project, they say, that could lead to a new conflict.

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This protest was organized by the "No to the Bases" initiative. More info also available at www.prague-declaration.org

"No to the Bases" has published a statement of 10 Arguments Against the U.S. Radar:

1) There is no substantial difference between a radar base and a missile base. They are two integral parts of the same system and they can’t be separated either technically or politically. The whole system can be used both in defense and in offense.

2) If our country plays host to this extraordinarily powerful and technically advanced U.S. radar base, we will become a tool of the unilateral U.S. foreign policy, which is aimed at military hegemony and the so-called war against terrorism. This war has thusfar succeeded only in increasing terrorism, destroying Iraq, destabilizing the region and giving rise to the prisons at Guantanamo Bay and Abu Ghraib.

3) Our membership in NATO places no obligation on us to accept the radar base. The construction of the radar base is a unilateral action of the United States.

4) The base will not make us more secure. On the contrary, it will place us in greater danger. At the present time, the Czech Republic has no enemies among states. And missiles and radars are not effective in combatting terrorism.

5) Just as in the case of a missile base, the Czech Republic would have no say in what happens at a U.S. radar base on our soil or what would truly be installed there. The base would be completely under the control of U.S. Air Command in Europe.

6) Such a base whether with radar or missiles will increase international tension, particularly in relation to Russia, and intensify an international arms race, which could spark a serious conflict.

7) Such a base is a potential target for attack. In the event of a conflict between states which own medium-range ballistic missiles, a radar base would be a first priority target.

8) The construction of more bases threatens to spark new cycles of armament around the world. In developing countries, this results in the deepening of poverty for already desperate populations. In Europe, it could mean the end of state ensurance of social security.

9) The effects of such a high-power radar system on nearby residents are not known. The only similar systems are located in remote and unpopulated areas.

10) Effective defense against the threats of terrorism and war requires a decrease in international tension. New bases, which increase tension, will certainly not help in this regard.

Original statement can be found here.