(Agencies)
Updated: 2007-11-26 22:15

MOSCOW - Russia is ready for further dialogue with the United States on missile defense cooperation, a top official said Monday after Moscow received formal proposals from Washington aimed at easing tension over the divisive issue.

While First Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov accused the US of aggressive military activity in Europe, his comments signaled more flexibility than the initial Russian reaction to the proposals the US submitted in writing last week.

He spoke hours before expected discussions on the matter between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice ahead of Middle East peace talks in the United States.

"We are ready for dialogue, but at the same time we are of course guided by our national interests, and if our partner has new military capabilities next to our borders ... we probably have to think about it," Ivanov told Russian News Service radio.

Russia has sharply opposed US plans to deploy missile defense installations in Poland and the Czech Republic. The United States says the system would counter a potential Iranian threat, but Moscow says it believes the real aim is to weaken Russia's nuclear deterrent.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered an alternative involving joint use of a Russian-operated radar station in Azerbaijan, but has cited the US plans as a factor in his decision to suspend Moscow's participation in the Conventional Forces in Europe treaty, which limits regional military deployments.

The Bush administration welcomed Putin's offer but pushed ahead with its plans for Eastern Europe while continuing talks with Russia on missile defense cooperation.