Polish officials are downplaying reports that they have reachedagreement with the U.S. on plans to base part of an American missileshield in Poland.
U.S. officials said Wednesday they havereached a tentative deal on the plans. But Poland's defense minister,Bogdan Klich, said Thursday that negotiations were still ongoing, andthat no firm agreement has been reached.
A Polish government spokesman issued a statement saying Prime MinisterDonald Tusk and U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney discussed the state ofnegotiations for about 40 minutes by telephone Thursday evening. Thespokesman did not reveal any details.
Any agreement on the missile shield still will need final approval from the Polish government in Warsaw.
TheU.S. wants to base 10 interceptor missiles in Poland and a radar systemin the Czech Republic, as part of a system to counter missile attacksfrom hostile states.
Russia has strongly opposed the plans asa threat to its security, although the United States says the system isintended for use against Iranian missiles, and not for use againstRussia.