Russia berates planned U.S. anti-missile shield

MOSCOW, Oct 10 (Reuters) Russia today hit out at U.S. plans to deploy an anti-missile shield on Polish soil, saying the move was an attempt to destabilise the balance of power.

Washington is investing billions of dollars to develop a missile defence system which would use rockets to shoot down hostile missiles.

It is considering placing its biggest anti-missile site outside the United States and is talking to Poland and the Czech Republic about possible locations.

''We see this as an element of destabilising the situation, an attempt -- and no more than that -- to change somewhat the strategic balance,'' Russian Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov told a news conference.

Russia's Foreign Ministry has already said Moscow would take unspecified measures against Poland if it decides to host the anti-missile shield.

Poland has said that no decision has yet been taken and that Russian protests are premature.

Reuters SHB DB2128