Russia should not fear US missile shield -NATO

WARSAW, Feb 16 (Reuters) - Russia has ''absolutely'' nothing to fear from a planned U.S. anti-missile system in central Europe, NATO Supreme Allied Commander John Craddock said today.

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.

REUTERS PDM ND1632