US aide says presidential successors can work on missile defense

U.S. President George W. Bush's national security adviser says the leaders of the U.S. and Russia can leave the missile defense issue to their successors after failing to reach agreement in their last meeting together as presidents.

Stephen Hadley made the comments aboard Air Force One following farewell talks Sunday in Russian between Bush and President Vladimir Putin, who leaves office on May 7.

Asked whether he expects the U.S. …