Poland Closer to Agreeing with US on Missile Shield
By VOA News 14 August 2008
U.S. and Polish diplomats are wrapping up another round of talks on a proposed U.S. missile defense system Thursday, with Poland's foreign minister saying the two sides have narrowed their differences.
Radek Sikorski says there has been a change in the U.S. position, but he did not elaborate further.
Poland has demanded more security guarantees for the project. Earlier this week, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the conflict between Russia and Georgia makes it more likely the U.S. will consider Poland's proposition that U.S. missiles be deployed permanently in Poland.
Mr. Tusk last month rejected a U.S. offer to boost Polish air defenses in exchange for a year-long deployment of U.S. missiles in his country. He said any deal needs to strengthen Poland's security, upgrade its defenses, and leave U.S. missiles in Poland permanently.
The United States wants to base 10 interceptor missiles in Poland and a radar system in the Czech Republic as part of a system to counter missile attacks from hostile states. Prague has already agreed to the deal, but Russia strongly opposes the project.
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