Russia says missile shield agreement with U.S. possible

"In theory, we have every opportunity to agree on the missile defense issue," spokesman Andrei Nesterenko told a press conference. Russia welcomed the Czech Republic's decision to put off a vote in parliament on the approval of a deal to deploy a radar on its territory as part of the U.S. missile defense system, Nesterenko said. The strategic arms reduction is another key issue that will soon be discussed in a dialogue with the United States, the spokesman said. "We believe that the mechanical extension of the existing treaty, which is to expire soon, would be counter-productive," he said. Russia strongly opposes plans by the former U.S. administration of George W. Bush to base a missile shield in Poland and the Czech Republic, saying the move poses a threat to its security, Kazinform cites Xinhua. Both Russia and the United States have expressed willingness to reset bilateral relations since U.S. President Barack Obama took office in January. Earlier this month, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and her Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov agreed on a work plan aimed at renewing the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), which committed both parties to cutting their arsenals.