MOSCOW, June 5: President Bill Clinton Sought to allay Russian fears about US plans io build a missile defence shield today when he became the first Western head of state to address Russian lawmakers, reports AFP.

In a wide-ranging 43-mlnute speech Clinton said he wanted to see a strong and prosperous Russia, urged Moscow to join the World Trade Organisation ami touched on Chechnya. terrorism. the economy and social issues.

Only President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus has previously been accorded (he honour of addressing both houses of parliament.

Clinton later wrapped up his three-day stay in Moscow with a final meeting with President Vladimir Putin, with whom he held a weekend summit that failed to narrow a wide differences on missile defence and arms control issues.

Speaking to parliament, Clinton urged an honest and open debate on the impact of the 60-billion-dollar defence shield on which he is due to take a decision this summer, insisting it would not hurt Russia's nuclear deterrent.

Nuclear missile defence (NMD) would confront the growing danger that weapons of mass destruction could fall into hands that will threaten us both -- rogue states, terrorists. organised criminal groups," Clinton said.

The system we are contemplating will not undermine Russia's deterrence, or the principles oi mutually assured destruction and strategic stability.

"1 believe we ought to be able to reach an agreement about how we should proceed at each step along the wav In re that preserves mutual d- t< i icnee, preserves sium gu sialxhtv and

preserves the ABM treaty.

That Is my goal said < Hilton. adding I think we have made some progress" during the summit with Putin.

Russia opposes NMD, saying it will hurt Russia's deterrence and spark a new arms race Moscow can 111 afford.

The missile shield will breach the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, the cornerstone ot arms control agreements for almost 30 years, unless Russia agrees changes to allow a limited US system

However, the two sides have so far failed to agree related deep cuts in nuclear arsenals that Moscow Is demanding in exchange, leaving Clinton with the dilemma of heeding Russian concerns or pushing ahead regardless.

Putin has vowed to tear up all arms controls accords with the United States if Washington unilaterally decides to deploy NMD.

The Russian parliament, only three-quarters full, listened in silence to Clinton and offered polite but brief applause at die end of his address.

However, outspoken ultranationalist leader Vladimir Zhirinovsky shouted "shame" at the end of the Clinton speech, claiming the authorities had packed the chamber with security service and foreign ministry personnel to mask an embarrassing mass boycott.

"It's a profanation." he stormed. "(Clinton) gave us a honeyed speech about let’s be friends,’ but read the (US) Congress resolution on the Russia-Belarus Union and you'll find other terms."

Many lawmakers displayed the open hostility towards (he United States that Clinton regretted in his speech. "I was not in the chamber where Satan spoke snapped Communist ib pnlv Vasily Shandybin.