I'm less concerned with the missile issue than with the missing warheads' Elliot said.

American officials said Mr. Putin's tone was polite but doubted it heralded a breakthrough on the missile issue.

"We would be ready for discussions on the missile issue at any time if hostile nations are sincere," he said.

"We got further than we thought was possible on the missile issue," one government specialist said.

Even on the missile issue, the administration seems to be driving a harder bargain than Clinton officials did.

Beyond the medium-range missile issue, France and Britain have already agreed to informal discussions on their strategic forces.

White House officials said an agreement on the short-range missile issue was not imminent.

Talks on the missile issue resume March 29 and American negotiators should make clear that Washington does not want another one-issue deal.

Mr. Kohl got only a fig leaf on the missile issue.

But on the missile issue, Mr. Ekeus's room for maneuver is limited.