Putin hopes for deal on U.S. missile plan

...plans to deploy a missile shield in Eastern Europe.

"We have not lost all chances yet, there is still a certain degree of healthy optimism," Russian news agencies quoted Putin as telling journalists during a visit to the United Arab Emirates.

"As for contradictions, they exist and will exist. It is important not to resort to sabre-rattling and not to bring the case to confrontation. The main thing is to seek a compromise and reach agreement."

Moscow is unnerved by Washington's plan to deploy interceptor missiles in Poland and a radar station in the Czech Republic, seeing it as a threat to Russia's security.

The United States says it needs to defend itself from missiles possibly launched by "rogue states" such as Iran and North Korea.

Putin has invited the U.S. military to use jointly a radar station that Russia rents from Azerbaijan. Washington has not given its final reply yet. U.S. military experts are expected to visit the Qabala station later this month.

Putin was in the Gulf state on his way home from a regional summit in Australia where he held talks with U.S. President George W. Bush.

Keywords: RUSSIA US/SHIELD