Putin, Bush to hold bilateral talks on missile shield at APEC summit

Moscow, Sep 4 (UNI) Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold bilateral talks with his US counterpart George W Bush on missile shield deployment in Europe at the two-day Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Sydney starting from September 8.

Russian President's foreign advisor Sergei Prikhodko told reporters today that the meeting between the two leaders might be the last one as there were no plans of Mr Putin visiting the US or Bush going to Russia.

Mr Putin had already declared that he would not run for the third consecutive term in accordance with the Russian constitution.

''The meeting is likely to be final,'' Mr Prikhkodko said, adding that the two leaders were sure to return to the subject of deployment of elements of US missile defence in Europe and might also discuss the situation in Iraq and Kosovo.

''We are not looking to settle the issue once and for all. We are seeking to stimulate dialogue on the topic and involve military and political experts in the talks,'' he said.

''It would be untactful and counter-productive to push the US into a corner on this. If any modifications to the plans are forthcoming, then they will undoubtedly be of a minor nature,'' Mr Prikhodko said.

UNI