Nato leader seeks Russian co-operation

Nato secretary-general George Robertson has called for the speedy resumption of co-operation between Nato and Russia.

He told an international security conference in Lithuania that a new security structure in Europe could not be developed without Moscow's participation.

Lord Robertson said Europe needed to act more cohesively on security issues.

The Kosovo campaign, he added, had highlighted the vast differences between American and European defence capabilities.

The newly-appointed Russian prime minister, Mikhail Kasyanov, has meanwhile met US National Security Adviser Sandy Berger in Moscow to prepare for the summit between their two presidents scheduled for next month.

On Thursday, Mr Berger met President Putin to discuss the growing rift between the United States and Russia over Washington's wish to amend the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile treaty.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service