Putin Unconvinced By U.S. On Missile-Defense System - RADIO FREE EUROPE / RADIO LIBERTY

Putin Unconvinced By U.S. On Missile-Defense System - RADIO FREE EUROPE / RADIO LIBERTY: "Putin Unconvinced By U.S. On Missile-Defense System Putin Unconvinced By U.S. On Missile-Defense System " May 23, 2007 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says consultations with the United States have failed to change Moscow's opposition to a proposed missile-defense system in Europe. Speaking at a news conference in Vienna, Putin said Russia sees the proposed missile-defense system as "an absolutely harmful thing." The United States has proposed placing components of the system in Poland and the Czech Republic. Putin is in Austria for an official visit. Putin also said that Russia is ready for what he called a constructive dialogue with Poland on the possible resumption of Polish meat imports to Russia. Speaking at a news conference in Vienna, Putin said Russia is "looking for solutions" to the dispute. Poland has said it will veto a Russia-European Union partnership agreement unless Russia lifts the ban on Polish imports.