Britain, US Discuss Missile Defense System

A British official says the government has been talking with the United States about placing part of an American anti-missile system in Britain.

A spokeswoman for British Prime Minister Tony Blair said Friday talks with Washington have been held at various levels, but the discussions are at an early stage.

A U.S. official in London says Washington has been discussing possible joint efforts with Britain. But he says right now, the U.S. is concentrating on Poland and the Czech Republic as the main European sites for a missile defense shield.

Moscow has objected to U.S. plans for placing the system so close to Russia. U.S. officials say the system is no threat to Russia, and the system is aimed at stopping such countries as Iran. - VOA News