Hagel, Russian defence minister discuss missile defence

US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel and his Russian counterpart Sergey Shoygu conducted Monday their inaugural video teleconference, during which they discussed a number of issues including missile defense, Syria, cyber security and countering improvised explosive devices. The Pentagon said in a statement that during the video teleconference, Hagel noted that the P5+1 Joint Plan of Action "does not eliminate the need for US and European allies to continue implementing missile defense plans in Europe." Hagel also stressed that U.S. and NATO missile defense efforts "pose no threat to Russia and urged that both sides continue consultations on future missile plans in Europe." Hagel and Shoygu also discussed "recent planning efforts to remove chemical weapons from Syria under the auspices of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)," where Hagel provided Shoygu "with an update on U. S. planning to neutralize the chemical weapons once removed from Syria." "Secretary Hagel encouraged Russia to stay engaged with the process and continue providing critical assistance to ensure that chemical weapons are removed on schedule," the statement noted.