WASHINGTON, Dec. 13 (UPI) -- Talks assuring "transparency" may help soften Kremlin opposition to a U.S. missile defense system in Europe, the U.S. State Department says.
A delegation of U.S. political and technical experts are to meet with Russian counterparts in Moscow to discuss "transparency and confidence-building measures" regarding the proposed system, the State Department said Friday.
The delegation is to be led by John Rood, acting U.S. undersecretary for arms control and international security, RIA Novosti reported Saturday.
The Kremlin has said the proposed missile defense system would threaten Russia's security and upset the balance of security elsewhere in Europe.
The plan calls for 10 missiles in Poland and a radar system in the Czech Republic as a defense against possible strikes from "rogue states," such as Iran, U.S. officials have said.
The delegation also is to discuss renewing a U.S.-Russian nuclear disarmament agreement. The current agreement expires next year and Russia has said it will not sign a new pact unless Washington abandons plans for a missile defense shield in Europe, RIA Novosti reported.
