Baltic Bush

George Bush paid a brief visit to the Baltics last week when he flew in to Gdansk following Germany's G8 Summit. Unfortunately for Mr. Bush however it was case of business not pleasure, and the US president certainly did have time for any sightseeing or sunbathing as he discussed his proposed Missile Defense Shields with Poland's head of state, Lech Kaczynski.

The meeting took place at Kaczynski's summer resort in Jurata, and after what appear to have been positive talks the two gave a press conference, one of the main objectives of which was to allay Russian security fears over the plans.

"The system we have proposed is not directed at Russia. We would welcome Russian cooperation in missile defense," Bush announced, whilst Kaczynski reiterated that "The Russian federation can feel totally safe."

Despite these assurances, the Kremlin in Moscow is likely to remain highly sceptical.