Jill Evans, Plaid Cymru the Party of Wales leader in the European Parliament is today signing the parliamentary motion condemning US plans to proceed with the National Missile Defence (NMD) system, the so-called "Son of Star Wars" project.

Ms Evans, who represents the whole of Wales in the European Parliament, said:

"The 1972 Anti Ballistic Missile Treaty (ABM) banned this type of system. Despite its name it is not defensive. By going ahead with the project the US government is likely to provoke an arms race and increase international tension. This means that nuclear weapons will become a permanent part of the landscape.

"It is a dangerous and expensive venture that fools people into thinking that they can survive a nuclear war. Abandoning the ABM Treaty is undermining any progress that has been made over recent years in reducing the number and proliferation of nuclear weapons. Indeed, NMD is the first step towards the militarization of space.

"Co-operation between Europe and the US on defence and security issues is vital. However NMD means spending hundreds of billions of dollars on a project that is likely to cause further instability in the world and may not even be workable according to some experts. This money could be better spent combating poverty and promoting disarmament and peace throughout the world."

NMD is a radar controlled anti-ballistic missile system designed to shoot down long-range nuclear or even chemical or biological missiles which threaten the USA. Part of the control system and radar will be sited at Menwith Hill and Fylingdales in Yorkshire where building work has reportedly already started.

Diwedd/End.