Officials at the Foreign Ministry are pouring over new U.S. proposals aimed at easing Russia's concerns over a planned missile defence system in Europe. The plans are based on ideas developed during ongoing talks between the two countries.

Russia is opposed to the U.S. plans to deploy radar in the Czech Republic and interceptor missiles in Poland, saying it would pose a threat to its national security.  

The White House says the shield is needed to protect the West from an Iranian missile attack.  The Kremlim says it doubts Iran will be able to fire intercontinental missiles in the forseeable future.

As an alternative, Moscow has suggested joint use of Gabala radar station in Azerbaijan.  But there has been little enthusiasm in Washington for the idea.

Russia is expected to raise the dispute at the Middle East Peace Conference, due to be held on November 27 in the U.S. city of Annapolis.