Positive signals on missile-shield deal

Klich said that in his meetings at the Pentagon and State Department, US officials declared their readiness to begin talks on possible American aid to upgrade Polish air defenses in return for Poland's agreement to host the missiles.

"The readiness of the American side to talk about this issue I see as the major result of [my] two days in Washington." Klich said after meeting with US Defense Secretary Robert Gates.

The Polish government has said it expects the US to help Poland strengthen its air defenses with both new short- and medium-range defenses, such as Patriot missiles.

Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell noted that Poland is already the leading beneficiary of military aid from the US in Europe, receiving more than $750 (zł.1,850) million in assistance under the Bush administration.

"Because of that special relationship, we believe that we can overcome whatever differences may exist on this issue very quickly," said Morrell. (Reuters)