US missile shield gains favour in Poland: poll

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2008

WARSAW (AFP) — Polish opposition to hosting part of a US missile defence shield in the former communist country is weakening, according to the latest poll published on Saturday.

Back at the end of February a survey suggested that 52 percent of Poles opposed the plans, however this new study -- a little over three months later -- found that only 46 percent disapproved.

The project, which would see 10 interceptor missiles based in Poland and a radar facility in the neighboring Czech Republic, was supported by 42 percent of people in the poll, published by the Gazeta Wyborcza daily. Only 33 percent backed the idea back in February's survey.

The United States and Poland reached a tentative pact Wednesday on the controversial missile defense shield, a senior...