Ex-ambassador: U.S., Russia sure to come to terms on NATO missile shield

Beyrle, who resigned from the U.S. diplomatic service in July this year, told Interfax he was sure that the European missile shield plan would be a priority item on the agenda for a likely meeting between the U.S. and Russian presidents, Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin, next year.

The ex-ambassador vigorously denied allegations by Russian officials that the missile defense project poses a threat to Russia.

It is essential for the two sides to listen to each other if they want to maintain good relations, Beyrle said.