Poland's Foreign Minister, Radoslav Sikorski, has said the country’s new government is ready to discuss the possible deployment of the U.S. missile shield in Eastern Europe with Russia. He says consultations over the issue are to be encouraged as the new
“I personally support the holding of consultations with Russia on that issue,” said Mr Sikorski. The U.S. wants to place ten rocket interceptors in Poland as part of the shield. Russia's stance on the issue remains firm as it claims the shield, being so close to its borders, poses a threat to its national security, . Negotiations between Washington and Moscow are still ongoing. The U.S. says the shield is needed to protect against the possible threat from rogue states such as Iran and North Korea. The issue is expected to be discussed at the upcoming Middle East Peace Conference in the city of Annapolis.