CAIRO Ñ The Arab League intends to express opposition to plans by the United States to establish a missile defense umbrella for Washington and its allies.

Diplomatic sources said the Arab League will discuss the issue during a meeting of foreign ministers next week. This is the first time the league, dominated by U.S. ally Egypt, will formally discuss the issue. The meeting is scheduled to begin in Cairo on Sunday.

The discussions, the sources said, would focus on U.S.-Israel missile defense cooperation. They said several Arab countries have expressed concern that such cooperation could change the balance of power in the Middle East.

Over the last decade, several Arab countries have amassed missile arsenals. They include Egypt, Iraq, Libya and Syria. Iran, which is not a member of the Arab League, has worked with Syria on its missile program.

The drive is being led by Arab League secretary-general Amr Mussa. The sources said Mussa is trying to coordinate with the European Union and Russia regarding the issue of the U.S. missile defense plan.

China, Russia and North Korea Ñ leading allies of Arab states Ñ have expressed opposition to the U.S. plan. The three countries are regarded as the leading missile proliferators in the Middle East.

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