Jul 6th, 2009 | MOSCOW -- President Barack Obama says he expects to complete a review of the U.S. plan for building missile defense systems in Europe by the end of the summer.
At a joint news conference with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev (dih-MEE'-tree med-VYEH'-dyev), Obama said that once the review is finished he will provide the Russian government with his assessment of how to resolve differences over the project.
Obama said he expects that to lead to extensive negotiations.
Russia strongly opposes the U.S. project, which was initiated by the administration of President George W. Bush.
Earlier, the two leaders issued a joint statement that indicated no breakthrough on missile defense, which is one of the most divisive issues they face.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
MOSCOW (AP) -- President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev (dih-MEE'-tree med-VYEH'-dyev) are announcing a further review of possible ways to cooperate on missile defense.
After talks in Moscow the two leaders issued a joint statement that indicated no breakthrough in one of the most divisive issues they face.
The said their two countries are intensifying a search for ways to strengthen relations and to analyze ballistic missile threats. U.S. and Russian experts are to prepare recommendations after further consultations.
They made no explicit mention of the U.S. plan to build missile defenses in eastern Europe, which the Russians strongly oppose.
Obama and Medvedev called upon all countries have a missile potential to refrain from actions that could lead to missile proliferation.
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