BUCHAREST, Romania — NATO leaders have agreed to fully endorse U.S. plans to build a missile defense system in Eastern Europe and to urge Russia to drop its objections to the shield, senior American officials said Thursday.
The document will state that "ballistic missile proliferation poses an increasing threat to allied forces, territory and populations." It also will recognize "the substantial contribution to the protection of allies ... to be provided by the U.S.-led system," the officials said.
The document calls on Russia to accept U.S. and NATO offers to cooperate on the system, the officials said.
Russia vehemently opposes the plan, believing it will threaten its own deterrent force and upset the balance of power in Europe. The backing from NATO provides President Bush with a leg up in his negotiations with Moscow over the issue.
clipped from: www.foxnews.com 