Dalnijrus
27-08-2007, 20:42
MAYKOP, Adygea (Reuters) -- Adygea, in a bold move earlier this week, announced its intent to pursue its own space program, separate from but cooperating with the European Space Agency, the European Union's inter-governmental space organisation.
Russia has announced its support for the proposal, which is expected to pass through the Adygean Parliament with strong approval when it comes to a vote this coming Sunday. In an announcement following the Adygean press conference which announced its intentions to the international body, Russian president Vladimir Putin expressed his support for the Adygean government and their goals, saying "... [Russia] can only be glad at the ... continuing increase in security in the region, and I encourage the Adygeans to go forward." Several Adygean citizens expressed their support, as well: one Adygean blogger is quoted as saying "[the space program] is long overdue."
American politicians, however, are uncertain about the delicate balance of power in the North Caucasus. Certain representatives, who have requested anonymity, described the Adygean move into space as a clear response to the increasing military presence of the United States in Eastern Europe, which they view as a mistake from the beginning. Putin has long opposed such a move, and this year's G8 summit was markedly strained on the subject of a US missile defense plan in the area.
Nevertheless, plans for the first rocket launch have already been made, which will propel a domestic Adygean communications satellite into orbit. It has not been announced if there will be a weaponization of the program in the future.
Russia has announced its support for the proposal, which is expected to pass through the Adygean Parliament with strong approval when it comes to a vote this coming Sunday. In an announcement following the Adygean press conference which announced its intentions to the international body, Russian president Vladimir Putin expressed his support for the Adygean government and their goals, saying "... [Russia] can only be glad at the ... continuing increase in security in the region, and I encourage the Adygeans to go forward." Several Adygean citizens expressed their support, as well: one Adygean blogger is quoted as saying "[the space program] is long overdue."
American politicians, however, are uncertain about the delicate balance of power in the North Caucasus. Certain representatives, who have requested anonymity, described the Adygean move into space as a clear response to the increasing military presence of the United States in Eastern Europe, which they view as a mistake from the beginning. Putin has long opposed such a move, and this year's G8 summit was markedly strained on the subject of a US missile defense plan in the area.
Nevertheless, plans for the first rocket launch have already been made, which will propel a domestic Adygean communications satellite into orbit. It has not been announced if there will be a weaponization of the program in the future.