Poland makes overtures to Russia

Poland's new government is ready to consult Russia over its hosting of a US missile shield.

Poland's new government is ready to consult Russia over its hosting of a US missile shield.

The decision, revealed by foreign minister Radoslaw Sikorski is a reversal from the previous administration's policy of only discussing the controversial plan with Washington.

The newly elected government, led by the centre-right Civic Platform, wants to consult

Moscow is vehemently opposed to the 10 ground-based missile interceptors the United States wants to install on Polish territory.

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Such consultations on the facilities, which also envision a radar base in the Czech Republic meant to counter attacks by "rogue states" on the United States and Europe, could be carried out with Nato, as well as Poland's neighbours, Mr Sikorski said.

The shield and Poland's efforts to toughen up EU policies towards Russia have sent ties between Moscow and the former Soviet bloc country to their lowest point since the fall of communism in 1989.

"We need to reopen the dialogue with Russia. We accept Russia as it is and we want to do business with Russia," he said.

He hoped Russia would end a two-year ban on Polish food products, which Warsaw has said is politically motivated.

"It would be a good gesture of welcome to Poland's new government," Mr Sikorski said.

Moscow has said many Polish producers do not meet strict Russian standards. But on Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk for trying to fix strained ties and made an advance towards solving the row.