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U.S., Russia to hold talks on missile shield

BRUSSELS, Belgium — The U.S. will explore ways to cooperate with Russia on missile defenses at high level talks next month, the U.S. ambassador to the alliance said Thursday, as Washington seeks to allay Moscow’s concerns about plans to extend America’s strategic anti-missile shield to Europe.

“The United States also looks forward to further discussions with the Russian Federation on bilateral cooperation and joint activity in this important field, including the potential sharing of technology and the development of compatible systems,” Ambassador Victoria Nuland said in a statement.

“Possible areas of partnership with Russia could include research and development of missile defense systems, sharing of early warning data, and exercises between our forces,” she added.

The director of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, Lt. Gen. Henry A. Obering is scheduled to address the April 19 talks at NATO headquarters in Brussels.

Russia has so far reacted furiously to the U.S. plans to install missile interceptors in Poland and radar units in the Czech Republic, suggesting the two central European nations risk being targeted by Russian missiles.

Next months’ meeting will be the latest in a series of initiatives by the U.S. to calm Russian anger.

It follows talks Wednesday between the U.S. and Russian leaders, where Russian President Vladimir Putin restated his concerns. According to the Kremlin, Bush expressed a willingness for detailed discussions of the project with Russia in the interest of mutual security.

Diplomats at NATO headquarters said Washington will also use next month’s talks to reassure European allies, many of whom have expressed concerns about the impact on relations with Moscow, the cost and effectiveness of the system, and it’s potential impact on European security — since not all of the NATO allies will be covered by the shield.

“The United States seeks to continue and enhance missile defense cooperation with its NATO allies,” Nuland said. Obering will brief the 26 nation allies April 19 before the meeting with the Russians.

Washington insists the planned extension of its defenses against intercontinental ballistic missiles is to defend against potential dangers from Iran and North Korea. It has stressed that the 10 interceptors it plans to locate outside Warsaw would pose no threat to Russia’s vast missile arsenal.

Germany in particular has been pushing for the U.S. to hold more talks within NATO and with the Russians.

Despite the battle over the territorial missile shield, NATO is already working with the Russians on defenses against short-range missiles to protect soldiers on the battlefield.