Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk says the latest U.S. incentive for Poland to host part of a U.S. missile defense system is unsatisfactory.
The Polish leader told reporters in Warsaw Friday that his country remains open for further talks on the issue. He called the latest U.S. offer to boost Polish air defenses insufficient. Mr. Tusk said any deal must strengthen Poland's security, upgrade its defenses and include permanent deployment of American Patriot anti-missile systems in Poland, instead of only for a year as the U.S. offered.
Mr. Tusk and U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney talked for about 40 minutes by telephone Thursday evening.
U.S. officials Wednesday said the two sides had reached a tentative deal on the plans.
Any agreement on the missile shield still will need final approval from the Polish government.
The U.S. wants to base 10 interceptor missiles in Poland and a radar system in the Czech Republic, as part of a system to counter missile attacks from hostile states.
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice travels to Prague next week to sign an accord with the Czech government.
Russia has strongly opposed the plans as a threat to its security, although the United States says the system is intended for use against Iranian missiles.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.
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