...Craddock said on Friday.
Russia opposes placing elements of the "shield" in its former satellites, Poland and the Czech Republic, saying it would distort the post-Cold War balance of power in Europe.
Asked at a news conference in Warsaw whether Russia was right to be concerned, Craddock said: "Absolutely not. This missile shield will provide security from attacks from rogue regimes and that's clearly what it's meant for."
Warsaw and Prague are considering hosting parts of the multi-billion-dollar rocket and radar system designed to shoot down ballistic missiles.
((Warsaw bureau, editing by Steve Pagani; Reuters Messaging: natalia.reiter.reuters.com@reuters.net, tel. +48 22 653 9715))
Keywords: USA RUSSIA/SHIELD
[WARSAW/Reuters/Finance.cz]