Russian papers: President Klaus deaf to Russia's criticism of US missile defense

The Russian papers report that, on his first state visit to Moscow, Czech President Vaclav Klaus allegedly "turned a deaf ear" to Russia's criticism of the US missile defense system which Washington would like to locate in the Czech Republic and Poland. The Russian daily Rossijskaja Gazeta says that Mr. Klaus refused to accept Russia's arguments and failed in his own attempt to convince President Putin that the US missile defense system would not present a threat to Russian security. The controversial issue topped the agenda of the Czech president's talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, but although the two sides failed to reach agreement, they stressed that this dispute would not in any way mar cooperation in other spheres.