They say it could erode existing arms control agreements and lead to a new arms race. They also believe it is better to engage with rogue states such as Iran and North Korea - although not Iraq. This is the view of the British foreign secretary, Robin Cook, although Britain has privately told the US it understands why it is concerned about any potential missile attack. The US also diluted Nato's position on the comprehensive test ban treaty, which the US has not ratified. Yesterday's communique said only that as long as the treaty has not entered into force, Nato must urge all states to maintain the existing ban on nuclear testing.
Some people see it as more immediate than others.
He said he hoped to win over more Nato allies. However, European diplomats say the chances are slight of any significant movement on the missile issue in time for the Nato summit on June 13, which Mr Bush plans to attend. Such missiles, he has suggested, could be used in a defensive shield for Russia and Europe. Meanwhile, the US would offer military help to upgrade Russia's early warning radars and participation in joint anti-missile exercises. The Nato secretary general, Lord Robertson, told the Budapest meeting that Europe must shoulder a greater burden in the maintenance of security, while Javier Solana, the EU's top foreign policy negotiator, said he was moderately optimistic about reaching a deal with politicians in Macedonia to stave off a collapse of the national unity government.