Voici la traduction écrite du discours prononcé aujourd'hui. Le ton se durcit à partir de 6:45...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=eBf0I-rB0m0
0:01
Citizens of Russia, I address you today in connection with the situation concerning the NATO countries' missile defence system in Europe.
0:11
Russia's relations with the USA and NATO in the missile defence area have a long and complicated history.
0:23
I remember that when US President Barack Obama revised his predecessor's plans to build a missile defence system in Europe in September 2009, we welcomed this as a positive step.
0:39
This decision paved the way to our being able to conclude the important New START Treaty which was signed not too long ago
0:52
and which clearly states the intrinsic link between strategic offensive weapons and missile defence.
1:02
Let me state that again, this was a major achievement.
1:06
Subsequently, however, the USA began carrying out a new missile defence plan
1:11
that foresaw the creation of a missile defence system in stages.
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This specifically raises concerns in Russia.
1:19
It would eventually see the deployment of US missiles and military capability in close proximity
1:29
to Russia's borders and in the neighbouring waters.
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At the NATO-Russia Council summit in Lisbon a year ago,
1:41
I proposed developing a joint sector-based missile defence system in Europe
1:47
where every country would be responsible for a particular sector.
2:02
Furthermore, we were ready to discuss additional modifications to the system, taking into account our NATO partners' views.
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Our only goal was to preserve the basic principle that Europe does not need new dividing lines,
2:20
but rather, a common security perimeter with Russia's equal and legally enshrined participation.
2:28
It is my conviction that this approach would create unique opportunities for Russia and NATO to build a genuine strategic partnership.
2:43
We are to replace the friction and confrontation in our relations with the principles of equality, indivisible security, mutual trust, and predictability.
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Regrettably, the USA and other NATO partners have not showed enough willingness to move in this direction.
3:08
Rather than showing themselves willing to hear and understand our concerns over the European missile defence system at this stage,
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they simply repeat that these plans are not directed against Russia and that there is no point for us to be concerned.
3:32
That is the position of the executive authorities, but legislators in some countries openly state, the whole system is against Russia.
3:41
But our requests that they set this out on paper in the form of clear legal obligations are firmly rejected.
3:54
We do hold a reasonable position. We are willing to discuss the status and content of these obligations,
4:01
but our colleagues should understand that these obligations must have substance and not be just empty words
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They must be worded not as promises and reassurances, but as specific military-technical criteria that will enable Russia to judge
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to what extent US and NATO action in the missile defence area correspond to their declarations and steps,
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whether our interests are being impinged on, and to what extent the strategic nuclear balance is still intact.
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This is the foundation of the present-day security.
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We will not agree to take part in a programme that in a short while, in some 6 to 8 years' time could weaken our nuclear deterrent capability.
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The European missile defence programme is already underway
5:01
and work on it is, regrettably, moving rapidly in Poland, Turkey, Romania, and Spain.
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We find ourselves facing a fait accompli.
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Of course we will continue the dialogue with the USA and NATO on this issue.
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I agreed on this with US President Barack Obama when we met recently,
5:30
and on that occasion again stated our concerns very clearly.
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There is still time to reach an understanding.
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Russia has the political will to reach the agreements needed in this area,
5:50
agreements that would open a new chapter in our relations with the USA and NATO.
6:01
If our partners show an honest and responsible attitude towards taking into account Russia's legitimate security interests,
6:11
I am sure we can come to an agreement.
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But if we are asked to 'cooperate' or in fact act against our own interests
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it will be difficult to establish common ground.
6:30
In such a case we would be forced to take a different response.
6:34
We will decide our actions in accordance with the actual developments in events
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at each stage of the missile defence programme's implementation.
6:45
In this connection, I have made the following decisions:
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First, I am instructing the Defence Ministry to immediately put the missile attack early warning radar station in Kaliningrad on combat alert.
7:06
Second, protective cover of Russia's strategic nuclear weapons
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will be reinforced as a priority measure under the programme to develop our air and space defences.
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Third, the new strategic ballistic missiles commissioned by the Strategic Missile Forces and the Navy
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will be equipped with advanced missile defence penetration systems and new highly-effective warheads.
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Fourth, I have instructed the Armed Forces to draw up measures for disabling missile defence system data and guidance systems if need be
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These measures will be adequate, effective, and low-cost.
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Fifth, if the above measures prove insufficient,
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the Russian Federation will deploy modern offensive weapon systems in the west and south of the country,
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ensuring our ability to take out any part of the US missile defence system in Europe.
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One step in this process will be to deploy Iskander missiles in Kaliningrad Region.
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Other measures to counter the European missile defence system will be drawn up and implemented as necessary.
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Furthermore, If the situation continues to develop not to Russia's favour,
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we reserve the right to discontinue further disarmament
8:56
and arms control measures.
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Besides, given the intrinsic link between strategic offensive and defensive arms,
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conditions for our withdrawal from the New START Treaty could also arise,
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and this option is enshrined in the treaty.
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But let me stress the point
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that we are not closing the door on continued dialogue with the USA and NATO on missile defence
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and on practical cooperation in this area.
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We are ready for that.
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However, this can be achieved only through establishing a clear legal base for cooperation
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that would guarantee that our legitimate interests and concerns are taken into account.
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We are open to a dialogue
10:00
and we hope for a reasonable and constructive approach from our Western partners.
