The United States has made new proposals to Russia aimed at easing tension over its missile defence plans in Europe, the Russian Foreign Ministry said today.
Russia has denounced US plans to deploy a radar in the Czech Republic and interceptor missiles in Poland as a threat to its security. It offered building up a joint missile defence system instead, but this idea has aroused little interest in Washington.
"The American side has finally, and late at night, passed to Russia written proposals regarding anti-missile defence systems. We are studying them," a Foreign Ministry spokesman said.
Following discussions last month, US officials said the suggestions included stationing Russian and American liaison officers at each other's missile defence facilities as part of a broader joint effort to protect against missile attacks.
Washington also said last month it had offered to delay activation of parts of its missile shield in Europe if Russia co-operated on the project.
Washington says it needs the European installations to avert potential missile attacks from Iran.