Czechs, U.S. Near Missile Defense Deal

Despite Fierce Russian Opposition, Czech Republic And Poland Support Project

(AP)  Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek said Monday he will complete a deal on missile defense this week in Washington, and attributed Russian opposition to the project to lingering frustration over the collapse of the Soviet Union.

The United States wants to place a radar system in the Czech Republic and 10 missile interceptors in neighboring Poland as part of a system it says is necessary to protect the U.S. and Europe against future attacks.

"We have reached a stage that we are able to complete the talks during my visit to America," Topolanek told The Associated Press in an interview. He meets with U.S. President George W. Bush at the White House on Wednesday.

The Czechs have been in favor of installing a missile tracking radar southwest of Prague ever since talks began with Washington a year ago, although Poland has been more reticent in recent months.

Topolanek said he could not see "any serious problems that would prevent us from completing the treaties" this week, but added that final agreement will not come until the Poles are fully satisfied with the project.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Sunday he supports the missile defense project - but on condition that Washington, in return, help modernize Poland's military defenses. Tusk will visit Washington March 8-10.

Poland says Washington has agreed to help strengthen the country's short-to medium-range air defenses, but that exact details have not yet been worked out.

Russia fiercely opposes the prospect of U.S. military installations so close to its borders, and has threatened to target any future base in Poland with its missiles, causing deep anxiety in Warsaw.

Topolanek said Moscow's objections were partly due to its eroded influence in the region.

"The loss of Central Europe was considered fatal (by Russia) and they protested our entry into NATO in a similar fashion," Topolanek said, adding that Moscow was renewing "efforts to become a world superpower."

He emphasized the missile shield would be a "purely defensive" system, which "is not aimed at the huge military arsenal of the Russian Federation."