U.S. missile shield comes step closer in Poland

WARSAW (Reuters) - Polish and U.S. negotiators have made progress on technical details of installing a controversial missile shield in Poland, the PAP state news agency quoted Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski on Wednesday as saying.

"We've made an outline of the further talks agenda without making any decisions yet. The stances (of both sides) are drawing closer and we're happy about it," he told parliament's defence and foreign affairs committees.

"The talks were not only productive but some parts of them have already been successfully closed," he added but gave no details.

Washington wants to install 10 interceptor missiles in Poland as part of a shield project that aims to protect the United States and its European allies against possible attack by what Washington calls "rogue states".

In return for the shield project Warsaw has asked for hefty U.S. investments in upgrading its antiquated air defenses.

The plan has been fiercely criticized by Russia.

Diplomats said further negotiations would take place at the end of August in Washington, PAP reported.

(Writing by Kuba Jaworowski)