Russia to send warship to Mediterranean

United Press International - February 04, 2000 11:47

MOSCOW, Feb. 4 (UPI) -- Russia will dispatch a reconnaissance ship to the Mediterranean Sea next week to monitor NATO warship movements in connection with an alleged buildup of NATO forces ahead of a possible new strike against Iraq, a Russian news agencies reported Friday. The state-owned RIA agency claimed the Russian vessel Kildin, which shadowed NATO warships in the Mediterranean during the Kosovo crisis last year, would sail shortly.

-- Ivan (@ .), February 04, 2000

Answers

Ivan:

If I wanted to make a major statement, I would send a "reconnaissance ship?". Sail shortly means what? This is not a slap at the Russian government, but this is an interpretation of their message to the diplomatic community.

Best wishes,,,

-- Z1X4Y7 (Z1X4Y7@aol.com), February 04, 2000.

From "Fleets of the World", 1992 -

Kil'din: Built 1968, Poland, Gdansk Shipyard

1,260 tons (1,560 FL) Length: 73 meters Range: 8,000 kilometers@11 knots Top Speed: 17 knots

Ex-survey ships/bouy tenders converted to intelligence gatherers. Unarmed except for a few with SA-7 Grail anitaircaft missle launchers. -------------------------------------------------------------------

It doesn't seem like an overwhelming response, does it?

-- Jim Cooke (JJCooke@yahoo.com), February 04, 2000.

NATO is not the "controlling legal authority" over Iraq...the dearly beloved United Nations was the umbrella group that oversaw the attacks on Saddam's forces. Did UPI miss it this badly?? or is NATO joining in with the UN??

-- John Galt (still@doom.er), February 04, 2000.

John:

In the old times it was fun to debunk press reports. Now it has become boring. Of course you are correct.

Best wishes,,,,

Z

-- Z1X4Y7 (Z1X4Y7@aol.com), February 04, 2000.

While the Russian navy is not exactly toothless, it has some distinct problems...this might be about all they can conveniently send...for now. Besides, given modern missile technology, the key thing is finding out exactly where you enemy is...

-- Mad Monk (madmonk@hawaiian.net), February 04, 2000.