The Czech deputy prime minister for European affairs, Alexandr Vondra, said Monday that it would be advantageous to reach an agreement on the stationing of a U.S. radar base in his country.
The comment came against the backdrop of tensions between the United States and Russia over the proposed U.S. interceptors in Poland and a radar base in the neighboring Czech Republic.
Washington says the missile shield is intended to protect against potential attacks from what it called "rogue" states, while Moscow insists such an installation so close to its territory will pose a threat to its national security.
Vondra urged his country not "to wait for a new U.S. administration" to strike a deal.
The Czechs are able to achieve a better result with the administration of U.S. President George Bush, which has "has politically invested a lot" in the project, according to Vondra.
The official hinted at the presidential race in the United States, where a Democratic Party candidate has a better chance to win and replace the Republicans in the White House after eight years.
But he said the next U.S. government would continue the missile defence project.
The United States plans to build a radar base at the Brdy military district, some 90 km southwest of the capital city of Prague, along with an interceptor missile base in Poland.
Up to 70 percent of Czech citizens are opposed to the project.
Source: Xinhua
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