NATO, Russia To Hold Talks On U.S. Missile Defense

Are Iranian missiles likely to target Europe? (file photo) (Fars) April 19, 2007 -- The U.S. plan to install elements of a missile-defense system in Poland and the Czech Republic is expected to be discussed by representatives of Russia and NATO member countries during talks today at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.

Russia has strongly objected to the plan, describing it as a threat to Russian national security.

Some of the United States' European allies in NATO, such as Germany, have also raised questions about the plan.

The United States says the shield is not directed against Russia, but could be used to shoot down a small number of missiles that could be fired by Iran or another state.

U.S. experts involved in the missile-shield plan are expected to take part in the talks with Russian and NATO representatives.

(compiled from agency reports)

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