No missile shield compromise
"The United States reaffirmed its willingness to set up its third missile shield in Europe ... Russia, however, does not agree with this intention and has put forward an alternative that was originally put forward by President Vladimir Putin," Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told a press conference after the one-day talks.
The proposed third US missile shield consists of interceptor missiles in Poland and a radar station in the Czech Republic as part of its efforts to extend its missile defense system to Europe.
Moscow has fiercely opposed the plan, saying it poses a threat to its security, while Washington said the system is targeting forces in the Middle East that are seeking weapons of mass destruction.
US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates (L) and US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice are greeted by Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) upon their arrival at the Kremlin in Moscow March 17, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
