| U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has | | | | dialogue to dispel Russian suspicions. She |
| deplored a Russian threat to target Poland | | | | said the talks should include NATO officials, |
| and the Czech Republic if either government | | | | as well as Russian and American participants. |
| hosts a planned U.S.-built NATO missile | | | | |
| defense system. | | | | Tuesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei |
| | | | Lavrov said Moscow remains "seriously |
| The secretary told reporters Wednesday in | | | | concerned" about the proposed system. But he |
| Berlin the recent threat from the commander | | | | also said his country will not use the |
| of Russia's strategic forces, General Nikolai | | | | deployment as a pretext to start a new arms |
| Solovtsov was "very unfortunate." | | | | race. |
| | | | |
| Rice said U.S. diplomats have given Russian | | | | Lavrov said Moscow will react carefully to |
| authorities extensive briefings on the | | | | what he called "emerging threats" to Russia's |
| missile deployment plans. She said envoys | | | | national security, without engaging in |
| have made it clear the proposed system is | | | | confrontation. Lavrov also again voiced |
| aimed at countering missile threats to U.S. | | | | concern over recent NATO expansion in eastern |
| allies from such states as Iran. | | | | Europe near Russian borders. |
| | | | |
| In Moscow Wednesday, visiting French Defense | | | | Some information for this report was provided |
| Minister Michele Alliot-Marie called for | | | | by AFP. |