NATO agrees to resume talks with Russia

BRUSSELS, March 5 (UPI) -- NATO ministers meeting in Brussels agreed Thursday to formally resume high-level talks with Russia.

The ministers agreed to use the NATO-Russia Council meetings as a basis for discussions with Moscow on all issues, with an eye toward resolving disagreements and building cooperation, the military alliance said on its Web site.

Discussions were suspended after Russia's military incursion into Georgia in August.

NATO ministers said they were particularly concerned about Russia's recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states and its intention to build a new military base in Abkhazia.

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, in Brussels to meet informally with European Union ministers ahead the NATO summit, said the United States wants a "more robust and meaningful dialogue" with Russia on a number of issues, the EU Observer reported Thursday.

Clinton, addressing reports that the Obama administration could reconsider a planned U.S. missile defense system in Europe if Russia works to help end Iran's nuclear aspirations, said the defense project is not off the table.

"Just as we had to build a mutual defense with Europe in the 20th century, we have to build it in the 21st century. It is my hope that we will persuade Russia to be part of that defense," she said.

Clinton praised Poland and the Czech Republic, where elements of the missile shield system would be placed, for recognizing a potential Iranian threat.

"They did not hide their heads in the sand," she said. "They said you know what, we see it as you see it."