Poland/US deal

Poland has signed a preliminary deal with the United States to host part of its new missile defence shield.



Under the agreement, the US will install 10 interceptor missiles at a base on the Baltic coast in return for help strengthening Polish air defences.



The US said the system will protect itself and Europe against long range missile attacks by rogue states.



Correspondents said the deal is expected to heighten tension between the US and Russia.



Moscow has said the project will upset the military balance in Europe and has warned it will be forced to redirect its missiles at Poland.



Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavroy is reported to have cancelled a scheduled visit to Poland shortly after the deal was announced.