Russia confirms its proposal on joint operation of Qabala radar station in Azerbaijan with United States

Bush paid two-day visit to Russia on April 5. Issues including a proposed missile defense shield, Kosovo’s independence and NATO expansion were on the agenda. The two leaders sign an agreement in Sochi on the "strategic framework of US-Russian relations."

Presidents have not achieved an agreement on missile defense shield. The strategic framework addressed U.S. missile defense plans, noting that "the Russian side made clear" that it doesn’t agree with the U.S. decision to establish sites in Poland and the Czech Republic to build a shield that is meant to protect Europe.

At the same time Russia welcomes the measures, proposed by the United States, and declared that if they are coordinated and implemented, they will be important and useful for softening Russia's concern, according to the declaration.

The meeting also touched upon Russia's accession to WTO. George Bush voiced US support for Russia in this issue.

/APA/