The issue concerns Poland's relationship with the U.S., Kaczynski said, describing the deployment of the shield as a "matter of defence." He said Russia's claim that the shield may pose a threat was "totally incorrect."

    Kaczynski stressed that for Poland the question of the shield is the question of state's security. "Not only Poland's security but also this of the Czech Republic, the whole Europe and the U.S.," he was quoted by Polish PAP news agency as saying.

    According to Kaczynski, a visit by U.S. President George W. Bush to Poland in early June will help convince Poles that the construction of the shield is a good idea.

    On Jan. 20, the United States proposed the installing parts of its anti-missile shield in Poland and the Czech Republic, a move strongly opposed by Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin warned earlier that the project could trigger a new arms race.

    The United States said the shield is designed to intercept rockets fired against it from the Middle or Far East.