Russia Has Nothing to Fear Over Missile Shield, Bush Says

Russia should not fear a missile shield in Eastern Europe, George Bush said today in his latest bid to placate Vladimir Putin, who has threatened to aim missiles at western countries in retaliation.

Speaking in Prague, Mr Bush once again invited Russian generals and scientists to the US to discuss American plans to deploy a missile defence system in the Czech Republic and Poland.

"My message will be, 'Vladimir, you shouldn't fear a missile defence system; why don't you cooperate with us," Mr Bush told reporters at a press conference.

Russia is furious over US plans to put 10 missile interceptors in Poland and a radar system in the Czech Republic. It views the plan as a threat to its national security, and Mr Putin this week said Russia would retaliate by training its missiles on European targets.

Most Czechs are not happy about the proposal for a US anti-missile radar base to be built at the Brdy military zone south-west of the capital. Recent polls in this former Soviet satellite, now a Nato ally, show more than 60% of the public in opposition.

In Prague last weekend, more than 1,000 people protested against the plan. Demonstrators were planning to show their displeasure again outside the medieval Prague Castle.

In his remarks, Mr Bush reiterated that a missile defence system was designed for an attack from "rogue states".

"It is purely a defensive measure, not aimed at Russia but at true threats," Mr Bush said.