U.S. missile shield plan nearly final,
Czechs say
Czechs say
PRAGUE: The Czech Republic expects to finalize details this week in Washington of a plan to play host to part of a U.S. missile defense shield, Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek said Monday.
Topolanek is due to meet President George W. Bush on Wednesday to discuss the shield, which has drawn strong criticism from Russia. Bush and Topolanek will also discuss a plan to drop a U.S. visa requirement for Czechs.
The U.S. administration wants to deploy 10 interceptor missiles in Poland and a radar station in the Czech Republic as part of a global shield against long-range ballistic missiles.
"Talks on the controversial issues" regarding the radar station "are ready for completion during my visit to Washington," Topolanek said at a news conference.
But he said that it would take additional time to sign the agreements, and that the Czech Republic would coordinate its steps with Poland.
The United States says the shield will protect it and its allies from attack by what it calls "rogue" states, including Iran and North Korea. The plan has been strongly opposed by Russia, which regards it as a threat to its security.
The acting under secretary of state for arms control, John Rood, said last week he was very optimistic about the negotiations with the Polish and Czech governments, but he did not say when they could be completed.
Topolanek said both the Czech Republic and Poland wanted to complete the deals in time for a NATO summit meeting in Bucharest in April.
The Czechs have been pushing for a NATO endorsement of the missile defense plan because they see it as a potential boost for the alliance. Alliance approval would also help the government ratify the treaty in the Czech Parliament.
On visas, Czech and American officials are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding that will end a U.S. visa requirement for Czech visitors, possibly by the end of this year.
Background - Poland Says It Has Agreed to US Shield
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