Polish PM says US shield deal seems nearer

The conflict between Russia and Georgia, which shocked capitals and markets with its speed and ferocity, may help Poland and the US finally reach a deal on deploying a US anti-missile system on Polish soil, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said yesterday.

Mr Tusk said the latest signs from Washington indicated the US was now ready to meet his demands for enhanced military cooperation with Poland in return for consent to host parts of the installation.

"I will not announce a success before the ink is dry but the information we are getting makes the acceptance of my government's demands by the US more probable than only a few weeks ago," Mr Tusk told a news conference.

He spoke as the West tried to firm up a ceasefire to end days of fighting between Georgia and Russia over South Ossetia.

The conflict also revived fears of a Cold War as Russia and the US sharply criticised each other over Georgia, which has angered Moscow as it moved out of its sphere of influence and into the West's.

Mr Tusk said Russia's action against Georgia seemed to have confirmed Poland's fears that its security could deteriorate if it agreed to place the US system on its soil, a prospect which has enraged Moscow.

"Today, after what has happened in the Caucasus, it can be clearly seen that real security guarantees that would not leave Poland just with the installation are essential," he said. "It seems such arguments are taken more seriously now by the US."