Russia considers Nato proposal to join missile shield

Deauville: Russian President Dmitry Medvedev says his country is considering a Nato proposal that Moscow take part in developing a US-led anti-missile shield for Europe.

Medvedev says after a summit in France that "we are evaluating this idea."

He warns however that the idea of a missile defence "worries us" and urges Nato members to consider its fundamental purpose.

A decision may be reached at a Nato summit in Lisbon next month for the missile shield. Medvedev said yesterday he will take part in that summit.

Washington has said the shield could protect Europe from potential attacks from Iran or North Korea.

Russia questions the need for the missile defence, and has seen it as a threat.