U.S., Poland sign deal on stationing troops

[unhappycamper]

U.S., Poland sign deal on stationing troops
By Monika Scislowska - The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Dec 11, 2009 10:41:03 EST

WARSAW, Poland — U.S. and Polish officials signed a deal Friday to regulate the stationing of American troops and military equipment in the eastern European country, paving the way for a U.S. military presence in the heart of the former Soviet bloc.

The step is a prerequisite for the deployment of U.S. Patriot missiles to Poland, which is expected early next year. It is also to serve as the legal framework for a possible future missile defense site.

Defense Minister Bogdan Klich hailed the so-called status of forces agreement, which he said will increase Poland’s security and strengthen U.S.-Polish military cooperation.

“It’s an important moment in the cooperation between the U.S. and Poland,” Klich said, adding the deal “reflects our interests well.”

The signing came after 15 months of negotiations, with the stickiest points revolving around issues of taxation and discussions over which country would have the right to try any U.S. soldiers who commit crimes off-base.


Article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/12/ap_us_poland_troop_agreement_121109/