Russia plays down missile differences with US

Russia said yesterday it may be ready to remove its objections to the US-backed missile defence shield for Europe if it receives a formal security pledge from the United States.
The comments by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov suggest an easing of Moscow's position and precede a meeting between US President Barack Obama and his Russian counterpart on the sidelines of a May 26-27 G8 summit in France.
"We are proposing, and asking that it be put in writing, that the missile defence system for Europe is not directed against any of the participating states -- not Nato, Russia or other European states," said Lavorov.