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U.S. Pressed on Missile Shield

General Nikolai Makarov, head of the General Staff, has told his U.S. counterpart that Russia and the United States must work hard to bridge major differences over the divisive issue of a European anti-missile shield.

Makarov met with Admiral Mike Mullen, the top U.S. military officer, in St. Petersburg on Friday, days after Moscow criticized a U.S. deal to deploy a missile defense facility in Romania.

"We need to seek common approaches and breakthrough positions on this issue," Makarov said, Itar-Tass reported.

He expressed hope for an agreement "despite a huge quantity of different opinions and differences in Russia and the United States on this issue."

Mullen replied that "the system is in no way aimed against Russia and its people."

(Reuters)

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