Moscow, December 14 (KCNA) -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Viktorovich Lavrov denounced NATO for pressing for the establishment of the missile defense system in defiance of Russia.

He said NATO has been refusing to give written assurances that its missile defense system would not target Russia.

Progress cannot be expected in bilateral dialogue on the missile defense system unless NATO lends an ear to Russia, he argued, adding "Our legitimate request has not been taken into account".