US, Poland Reach Deal on US Missile Shield

14 August 2008

Poland's prime minister says the United States and his country have reached agreement on deploying a proposed U.S. missile defense system in eastern Europe.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Thursday that the United States had agreed to Polish demands for greater military cooperation. His announcement was made after U.S. and Polish negotiators wrapped up a round of talks in Warsaw.

Talks on the missile shield foundered last month, when Poland demanded more security guarantees for the project.

But earlier this week, Mr. Tusk said the conflict between Russia and Georgia makes it more likely the United States will consider his country's view 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.