Audio Putin is welcoming President Bush's offer to consult other countries on a controversial missile defense system. That's an apparent reference to a 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty which Bush says is outdated. The comment is the Russian president's first public comment on Bush's announcement this week that he'll move ahead with a plan to build a system to shoot down missiles aimed at the U.S. Other reaction to the defense plan is mixed. The most favorable one comes from Australia, which is set to give the U.S. access to joint military bases on its soil.
Asian countries are more restrained.
The U.K. and Canada have stopped short of endorsing Bush's plan. Sweden, Germany and others expressed deep concern for global security. Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.