Powell backs missile defense plan

WASHINGTON -- Controversial plans for a multi-billion dollar missile defense plan have received strong backing from U.S. President-elect George W. Bush's incoming secretary of state.

Former general Colin Powell told a U.S. Senate confirmation hearing that the new administration would push ahead with the plan, which has attracted criticism from Russia and some U.S. allies in Europe.

And he said developing the system would mean a landmark arms control treaty signed with the Soviet Union in 1972 would probably have to be changed to make way for the futuristic programme.

Powell, who will take on the role carried out by Madeleine Albright in the Clinton administration, brushed aside scepticism about the project.

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He said: "When people see something new come along they are terrified, but if it is the right thing to do, you do it anyways."

"In the end of the day, it will benefit the world."

European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana admitted on Thursday there were differences between Washington and its European allies on the missile proposals.

But he added: "We do have a difference of opinion at this point with NMD and we will try to solve that as allies."

Solana added that he did not expect any change in U.S. engagement in the Balkans under the Bush administration.

"I don't think there will be dramatic changes in the policy of the United States vis-a-vis Europe," he told a news conference in Vienna.

"The engagement in the Balkans I do not think will be changed."

During the senate hearing Powell dismissed speculation that under Bush the U.S. would turn inwards and ignore the world.

He said: "There is no inclination whatsoever to have our nation withdraw from the world into a fortress of protectionism or an island of isolation."

On the Balkans, Powell stepped back from suggestions that Bush would withdraw U.S. forces from Kosovo and Bosnia unilaterally.

"President-elect Bush has promised to look closely at our commitments in the Balkans, with the hope of reducing our troop levels there over time and in consultation with our allies," he said.

"This will be part of a much more comprehensive review of all of our commitments," he said.

Powell said the U.S. could have a strong and successful relationship with Russia if the country pursues domestic reform, establishing the rule of law, rooting out corruption and stopping the proliferation of missile technology.

"Russia is a country that can gain enormous benefits from its relationship with us," he said. "But that relationship can only be a strong and successful one if Russia does what it needs to do."

The former general also said the Bush administration would support European attempts to improve defense capabilities "as long as it strengthens NATO, not weakens it."

Plans for a European rapid reaction defense force have alarmed some in Washington over fears for the future of the NATO alliance.

The Associated Press & Reuters contributed to this report.