By SPA
Washington : Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek hopes to conclude an agreement to allow U.S. missile defense radar to be installed in his country as he meets with U.S. President George W. Bush on Wednesday, AP reported.
The United States and the Czech Republic moved Tuesday toward an agreement that would let Czech citizens travel to the United States without visas, perhaps as early as September.
The two issues _ visa-free U.S. travel and missile defense _ have been divisive in Europe.
The United States passed a law last year aimed at expanding its visa-waiver program for citizens from some countries, but the program has caused frustration in Europe because some countries were left out.
U.S. missile defense has also been a source of tension, as Russia has fiercely opposed the prospect of U.S. military installations so close to its borders.
The United States wants to place a radar system in the Czech Republic and 10 missile interceptors in neighboring Poland as part of a system it says is necessary to protect the United States and Europe to deal with a potential threat from potential foes.