THAAD Systems in S Korea Not Directed Against Russia, Third Countries

South Korea is not planning to use the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile systems deployed in the country against Russia or other third states and is ready to give extra clarifications if necessary, South Korean President Park Geun-hye told Sputnik.

TOKYO (Sputnik) – In July, South Korea and the United States announced that they had agreed to deploy the system in the Seongju County amid increased tensions on the peninsula over North Korea's nuclear and missile program.

The THAAD system is designed to intercept short, medium and intermediate ballistic missiles at the terminal incoming stage.

"There is no reason, nor practical benefit, for the THAAD system to target any third country, and the Korean Government does not have any such intentions or plans," Park said, answering a question on whether the systems could damage Moscow-Seoul relations.

The president said that the need for deployment of the THAAD systems would disappear if North Korean nuclear threat were to be eliminated.

"So far, the Korean Government has faithfully explained our basic position to the Russian Government. If Moscow feels that there is a need for additional explanation, the Korean Government will continue to communicate closely in the days to come," Park added.