BUCHAREST – Romania’s Supreme Defence Council on Thursday approved a plan by Washington to deploy “terrestrial interceptors” in the Black Sea state as part of a missile shield to protect Europe, President Traian Basescu said.

“The council approved a U.S. proposal that Romania takes part in the anti-rocket shield system,” Basescu said. “Terrestrial interceptors will be located inside the national territory.”

The plan still requires parliamentary approval. (Reporting by Radu Marinas; Editing by Robin Pomeroy)