Polish and Czech leaders defend U.S. missile shield

...system that has raised Russian ire, saying it would also protect Europe.

The two NATO and European Union members are not expected to make a formal response for a few weeks to the U.S. request, which most Poles and several Czech opposition parties oppose.

In a joint article published by Polish daily Rzeczpospolita, Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek and his counterpart Jaroslaw Kaczynski rejected criticism that the shield would offer protection only to the United States.

"Having in mind the security not only of our countries but the whole of Europe, the governments of Poland and the Czech Republic are seriously considering the offer," they said.

"Joining the missile defence system will serve as passive protection from attacks ... for all members of the transatlantic community."

The United States has asked the two states to host elements of the multi-billion dollar global defence system designed to counter missiles potentially fired by "rogue states".

The plan to involve the two former Soviet-dominated countries has angered Russia, which said it would distort the post-Cold War balance of power in Europe.

Trying to prevent the move, Moscow has threatened to install medium-range ballistic missiles close to Poland.

Germany has also criticised the United States for failing to inform Russia and neighbouring countries of details of the plan beforehand.

Warsaw and Prague say helping with the shield will tie Washington's interest to the region, but that they will also present a list of demands of what they want in return. ((Writing by Natalia Reiter, Reuters Messaging: natalia.reiter.reuters.com@reuters.net, tel. +48 22 653 9715; edited by Richard Meares))

Keywords: POLAND CZECH/SHIELD

[WARSAW/Reuters/Finance.cz]