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Bush Poetin top in Bratislava

23 februari 2005

25 februari 2005 19:00 uur

President George Bush arrived at Stefanik airport in Bratislava on Wednesday evening.

At the meeting with Slovak Prime Minister The US President praised Slovakia's tax policy and the introduction of the flat-tax.

US Foreign Minister Condoleezza Rice and Russian Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov signed an agreement about the control of portable anti-aircraft and surface-to-air missiles.

On Thursday afternoon George Bush gave a speech at a Bratislava square in which he also revealed that the US has prepared a new Solidarity Initiative programme for nations like Slovakia that are standing with America in the war on terror.

Russian president Vladimir Putin arrived in Bratislava on Thursday afternoon and went directly for the meeting with the US president at Bratislava castle, which lasted approximately 2,5 hours.

At the summit, the top officials agreed that Iran and North Korea should not have atomic weapons at their disposal, and that peace in the Mid-East must be secured. George Bush promised Vladimir Putin US assistance to speed up the negotiations concerning Russia's entry into the World Trade Organisation.

Shortly after 7:00 p.m. American President George W. Bush concluded his European tour and left Bratislava for Washington.

On Friday morning Russian President Vladimir Putin paid tribute to Red Army soldiers who died liberating Slovakia's capital in April 1945 at the Bratislava WWII memorial Slavin

Slovak Economy Minister Pavol Rusko together with his Russian colleague signed an agreement of co-operation in economics, research and development.

The Russian President visited the Slovak Parliament and held talks with the Slovak Prime Minister and President. Immediately after meeting with the Slovak President Putin left for the airport and flew back to Moscow.

25 februari 2005, 18:00 uur

President Putin in Slovak Parliament

As a part of his official visit President Putin was welcomed in the Parliament by its Speaker Pavol Hrusovsky.

Surprisingly President Putin in his speech to the Slovak Parliament addressed human rights in his country and the situation in Chechnya and the Caucasus

Economic cooperation dominated the discussion between Russian President Putin and Slovak Prime Minister Dzurinda. Both partners agreed that cooperation between the two countries did not decrease after Slovakia's admission to the European Union and NATO. A marginal topic of the talks was also visa policy.

Two Companies Want to Acquire Yukos' Stake in Transpetrol

Vladimir Putin informed the Slovak Prime Minister that two companies have shown an interest in acquiring a stake in Russian crude oil giant Yukos. Yukos holds a 49-percent stake in the Slovak oil transport company Transpetrol, which it acquired in 2003. The 51-percent majority remains in the Slovak government's hands.

During the Bratislava's Bush-Putin summit on Friday, Slovak Economy Minister Pavol Rusko together with his Russian colleague signed a co-operation agreement in economics, research and development. The agreement will influence several industry sectors, including tourism, environmental protection, healthcare, education, culture and sports.

Slovak President Ivan Gasparovic welcomed his Russian counterpart at Bratislava's Presidential Palace.

"Slovakia recognises the status of Russia in global politics. We think that it's impossible not to be aware of Russia's military and energy potential," stated President Gasparovic after talks with Putin.

The Russian president assured both his counterpart and the Slovak government that relations are good, especially with regard to oil trading between the two countries.

25 februari 2005 14:00 uur

Russian President Continues His Visit to Slovakia

The program of the first official of Vladimir Putin in Slovakia started at the Slavin WWII memorial where he placed wreaths. The Russian president was accompanied by war veterans. The official visit of Vladimir Putin is the first visit of Russian president in Slovakia since 1993.

Russian President Vladimir Putin was welcomed by Slovak Parliamentary Chairman Pavol Hrusovsky in the Slovak Parliament. After a short opening ceremony, the two officials began discussions on cooperation between the Slovak and Russian parliaments and bilateral relations. According to Hrusovsky, this has been the top official visit paid to the Slovak Parliament.

Prior to the meeting, the Slovak Parliamentary Speaker indicated that he might broach the sensitive topic of human rights in Chechnya. However, at their Friday meeting the two officials talked about the Chechen elections and the number of Chechen immigrants in Slovakia. On Thursday, European Court for Human Rights ruled against Russia in case of torturing and killing civilians during the conflict in Chechnya.

Slovak Prime Minister Mikulas Dzurinda welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin at the seat of Slovak Government Friday noon. They have met to discuss mutual relations, economic cooperation as well as international situation. The Slovak Prime Minister planned to avoid talking about the state of human rights in Russia. Prior to the meeting, Vladimir Putin said:

The last stop of the Russian President on his visit to Bratislava was the presidential palace. In the first 11 months of 2004, Slovakia's foreign trade deficit with Russia amounted to EUR almost 2 billion. From January to November 2004 Slovakia imported goods from Russia representing a 1.8 percent drop year-on-year. Imports from Russia represented 9.4 percent of Slovakia's foreign trade. Russia is Slovakia's third most important trade partner. Slovaks are largely dependent on imports of Russian fuel, energy and raw materials. These represent 90 percent of the imports from Russia.

Reactions to Bush-Putin Summit

International media reported that George Bush and Vladimir Putin reaffirmed their commitment to democracy in Russia at the summit in Bratislava on Thursday. Slovak media noticed the improvement in mutual relations between the two leaders. On the other hand, the international press focused on how little democracy in Russia was actually discussed. More on the topics of the summit in the Topical issue.

Russian First Lady Ludmila Putina, accompanied by her Slovak counterpart, Silvia Gasparovicova, visited the Russian Studies Centre in Bratislava's University Library. The Centre is Putina's brain-child, stemming from her dream of improving worldwide communication via the Russian language. There are similar Russian centres in 56 other countries. The centres provide the public with information on the Russian Federation, its domestic and foreign policy, history, culture and economy.

25 februari 2005 12:00 uur

Putin to place wreaths at Slavin memorial

On Friday morning Russian President Vladimir Putin commenced his first visit to Slovakia at the Bratislava WWII memorial Slavin where he paid tribute to Red Army soldiers who died liberating Slovakia's capital in April 1945. Accompanying him was Slovak President Ivan Gasparovic.

Putin Visits Slovak Parliament

Later in the morning President Putin was welcomed in the Parliament by its Speaker Pavol Hrusovsky. The two officials began discussions on cooperation between the Slovak and Russian parliaments and bilateral relations.

After this meeting Vladimir Putin met Prime Minister Mikulas Dzurinda with whom they are currently discussing bilateral relations between the two nations, economic relations and world affairs.

The Slovak Prime Minister stated that Slovakia will always remember the significant role Russia played in defeating fascism.

No Questions about Democracy for Russian President

In Slovakia Putin will not be faced with any unpleasant questions regarding human rights in his country. Slovak officials declared prior to his visit here that they are not going to open up this topic and want to devote attention to bilateral issues.

The summit of the American and Russian Presidents in Bratislava that took place yesterday has brought several positive outcomes, declared the US President. The top officials agreed on a series of issues, such as the fight against nuclear terrorism. Petr Bokuvka explains...

This includes increasing of security of Russian nuclear facilities. They also found common views when it comes to Middle East peace process or democracy in Russia. And as George W. Bush said, Putin's devotion to support democracy in Russia is the most important outcome of the meeting.

"Any reversion to a totalitarian regime in Russia is impossible," stated the Russian President. However Putin stressed that democracy should not be mistaken for anarchy. The Presidents agreed to strengthen cooperation in the fight against terrorism and that neither Iran nor Northern Korea should have nuclear weapons.

International media reported that George Bush and Vladimir Putin reaffirmed their commitment to democracy in Russia at the summit in Bratislava on Thursday. Slovak media noticed the improvement in mutual relations between the two leaders. On the other hand, the international press focused on how little democracy in Russia was actually discussed.

During meetings with top Slovak officials US President George Bush praised Slovakia's tax policy and the introduction of the flat-tax.

"It was good to listen to President Bush when he told me in my office that the flat-rate tax is his dream," said Prime Minister Mikulas Dzurinda.

The friendship of communist Czechoslovakia with the Soviet Union for over forty years and the current relationship of Slovakia with the United States are two entirely different things, stressed Slovak Prime Minister Mikulas Dzurinda on Thursday, rejecting any parallels. He compared the friendship with the Soviet Union to a lethal embrace. It was a dictatorship. Friendship with the United States is a partnership.

Slovak Minister of Culture Rudolf Chmel met with his Russian counterpart. The two senior officials agreed that despite ideological burdens from the past, mutual cultural ties between the two countries have been developing dynamically. The Russian Minister positively evaluated last year's Days of Slovak Culture in the Russian Federation.

On the eve of US President George Bush's visit to Slovakia, an official White House website posted a photograph of Bush speaking with Czech President Vaclav Klaus with the caption: 'President Bush speaks to Slovak President Ivan Gasparovic,' SME daily reports. Gasparovic's spokesman said that Gasparovic began his unofficial discussion with Bush by pointing out the mistake and Bush officially apologized. This isn't the first time that Americans have mis-identified Slovakia and its representatives. Bush, himself, confused Slovakia with Slovenia during his first term and just this week the American daily, USA Today, labeled Slovenia on a map of the Balkans as 'Slovakia.'

25 februari 2005, 11:00 uur

Putin Visits Slovak Parliament

Russian President Vladimir Putin commenced his first visit to Slovakia at the Bratislava WWII memorial Slavin where he paid tribute to Red Army soldiers who died liberating Slovakia's capital in April 1945. Accompanying him was Slovak President Ivan Gasparovic. Putin is set to meet the Speaker of the Slovak Parliament and heads of parliamentary clubs. Talks with Prime Minister Mikulas Dzurinda are scheduled afterwards.

On Friday morning Russian President Putin, was welcomed in the Parliament by Speaker Pavol Hrusovsky. After a short opening ceremony, the two officials began discussions on cooperation between the Slovak and Russian parliaments and bilateral relations. Prior to the meeting, Hrusovsky indicated that he might broach the sensitive topic of human rights in Chechnya.

No Questions About Democracy for Putin

In Slovakia Putin will not be faced with any unpleasant questions regarding observing human rights in his country. Slovak officials declared prior to his visit here that they are not going to open up this topic and want to devote attention to bilateral issues. They are expected to place focus on the economic sphere when speaking with the Russian president. It is not expected that talks will be about purchasing the 49-percent share of Russian crude oil giant Yukos in Slovak company Transpetrol by the Slovak government.

Slovak and Russian Officials Discuss Cultural Cooperation

Slovak Minister of Culture Rudolf Chmel met with his Russian counterpart. The two senior officials agreed that despite ideological burdens from the past, mutual cultural ties between the two countries have been developing dynamically. The Russian Minister positively evaluated last year's Days of Slovak Culture in the Russian Federation.

The summit of the American and Russian Presidents in Bratislava has brought several positive outcomes, declared the US President. He highlighted their agreement to enhance cooperation in the fight against terrorism and for enhancement of nuclear security. As the US President stated he reminded his Russian counterpart in a friendly and constructive manner about his concerns over the state of democracy in Russia. "Any reversion to a totalitarian regime in Russia is impossible," stated the Russian President in response. However Putin stressed that democracy should not be mistaken for anarchy. The presidents also agreed that neither Iran nor Northern Korea should have nuclear weapons.

The friendship of communist Czechoslovakia with the Soviet Union for over forty years and the current alliance of Slovakia with the United States are two entirely different things, stressed Slovak Prime Minister Mikulas Dzurinda on Thursday, rejecting any parallels. He compared the friendship with the Soviet Union to a lethal embrace. It was a dictatorship. Friendship with the United States is a partnership.

Bush Praised Slovak Flat Tax

US President George W. Bush praised Slovakia's tax policy and the introduction of the flat-tax, according to Prime Minister Mikulas Dzurinda. During official talks with the US president, Dzurinda declared interest in hi-tech investments in conjunction with the Slovak government’s strategy to develop a knowledge-based economy.

Not Gasparovic, But Klaus

On the eve of US President George Bush's visit to Slovakia, an official White House website posted a photograph of Bush speaking with Czech President Vaclav Klaus with the caption: 'President Bush speaks to Slovak President Ivan Gasparovic,' reports the daily SME. Gasparovic's spokesman said that Gasparovic began his unofficial discussion with Bush by pointing out the mistake and Bush officially apologized. This isn't the first time that Americans have misidentified Slovakia and its representatives. Bush, himself, confused Slovakia with Slovenia during his first term and just this week the American daily, USA Today, labeled Slovenia on a map of the Balkans as 'Slovakia.'

24 februari 2005, 21:30 uur

Bush – Putin Summit

The presidents of the USA and Russian met at Bratislava castle in the afternoon. As expected, the meeting of the two presidents lasted for only 2,5 hours, not the 4 hours originally planned. Both Presidents agreed on the following ideas: Iran and North Korea should not have atomic weapons at their disposal, plus that peace in the Mid-East must be secured.

Any reversion to a totalitarian regime in Russia is impossible, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the press conference after meeting his American counterpart George Bush. Putin added that Russia on its own decided 14 years ago to follow the democratic direction, and there is no possibility to go backwards now. He also thanked his American counterpart for accepting the invitation to the celebrations in Moscow on May 9, held to mark the 60th anniversary of the end of WWII.

At the summit, George Bush promised Vladimir Putin US assistance to speed up the negotiations concerning Russia's entry into the World Trade Organisation. Regarding democracy in Russia, US president said:

Earlier in the day, US Foreign Minister Condoleezza Rice and Russian Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov signed an agreement to control portable anti-aircraft and surface-to-air missiles. Recently Russia confirmed that it would sell such weapons to Syria in spite of warnings by Israel and USA.

Today at noon, George Bush greeted up to 10 000 people at Hviezdoslav square in Slovak. In the presence of top Slovak officials, George Bush appreciated Slovakia's efforts on its path to democracy. He also revealed that the US has prepared a new Solidarity Initiative programme for nations like Slovakia that are standing with America in the war on terror.

“We will help to improve your military forces so we can strengthen our ability to work together in the course of freedom.”

US President George W. Bush praised Slovakia's tax policy and the introduction of the flat-tax, according to Prime Minister Mikulas Dzurinda. "It was good to listen to President Bush when he told me in my office that the flat-rate tax is his dream," Dzurinda told a news conference.

Shortly after 7:00 p.m. American President George W. Bush concluded his European tour and left Bratislava for Washington. This was the first visit by an American president to Slovakia.

The last Russian president to visit Slovakia was Boris Jelcin in 1993. However, Russian president Vladimir Putin started his first official visit to this country right after the summit with George Bush. His Friday program includes a visit to the Slovak Parliament as well as placing wreaths at the Slavin monument to WWII soldiers.

Following their husbands, the first ladies of the US and Russia had a busy program too. Earlier in the day, Laura Bush attended the opening of the American information and cultural center called Info USA Bratislava. Later she was joined by Lyudmila Putina. The first ladies inspected the unique collection of tapestries woven by the royal weaving mill in Mortlake (near London) and sign their names into the Golden Book of Bratislava.

24 februari 2005, 17:00 uur

President Putin Arrives in Bratislava

Russian president Vladimir Putin arrived in Bratislava at 2:30 p.m. local time. Directly from the airport he went for his meeting with the American president at Bratislava castle. Vladimir Putin will stay in Bratislava also on Friday for his first official visit to this country. The last Russian president to visit Slovakia was Boris Jelcin in 1993.

Bush – Putin Summit

Under Way

The presidents arrived at Bratislava Castle around 3 p.m. As expected, the meeting of the two presidents lasted for only 2,5 hours, not the 4 hours originally planned. Among the topics George Bush and Vladimir Putin were to discuss included surface-to-air limitation talks. Petr Bokuvka reports:

“Several days ago in Brussels, George Bush said Russia should renew its commitment to democracy. According to political analysts, the president was worried by the re-nationalization of Yukos oil company, or by suppressing the freedom of private media. Whether these issues were raised at the presidential summit remains unclear.“

US Foreign Minister Condoleezza Rice and Russian Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov signed an agreement about the control of portable anti-aircraft and surface-to-air missiles. Recently Russia confirmed that it would sell such weapons to Syria in spite of warnings by Israel and USA.

Between 5,000 and 10,000 people were waiting in bitter cold weather at Hviezdoslav square in Bratislava for the speech of the US president. In the presence of top Slovak officials, George Bush praised Slovakia for gaining its freedom. He also revealed that the US has prepared a new Solidarity Initiative programme for nations like Slovakia that are standing with America in the war on terror.

“We will have to improve your military forces so we can strengthen our ability to work together in the course of freedom.”

24 februari 2005, 16:30 uur

Missile Agreement Signed

American Minister of Foreign Affairs, Condoleezza Rice and Russian Minister of Defence Sergei Ivanov signed an agreement controlling portable anti-aircraft and surface-to-air missiles. Recently Russia confirmed that it would sell such weapon to Syria in spite of warnings by Israel and USA.

Security Disrupts Bratislava

Security precautions made Bratislava the most guarded city in Europe during the American-Russian summit. As a result crime in the capital has almost vanished. Except for a few incidents the crime rate has substantially decreased.

Police closed Pristavny and New Bridges in Bratislava. The closure resulted in total traffic chaos.

During the open-air speech given by U.S. President George W. Bush at Hviezdoslavovo Square on Thursday afternoon, an anti-Bush rally was held at the opposite end of the square just beyond the police barriers. Riot police encircled the protesters, but took no action against them.

Two Czech citizens set an American flag on fire while US President George Bush met with people at Hviezdoslavovo square in Bratislava. The two men were arrested, but there were no other disturbances during the speech of the American President.

Freedom-Fighters Honoured

The American president met 21 personalities from 13 countries from East and Central Europe that fought for freedom in their countries. On behalf of those recognized, Pavol Demes from Slovakia thanked George Bush for his support and the President’s attempts to give the world more freedom and democracy.

24 februari 2005, 15:00 uur

Russian President Arrives In Bratislava

Russian president Vladimir Putin arrived in Bratislava at 2:30 p.m. local time. Directly from the airport he went for his meeting with the American president at Bratislava castle. Among the topics are surface-to-air missile limitations and also issues of democracy in Chechnya and the Syrian/Lebanese conflict. The original plan was for a four-hour meeting but the latest information mentioned only 2.5-hour meeting, initiated by the Kremlin.

Bush’s Speech To Slovaks

President Bush's public address started after a 30-minute delay. There were 7 to 10 thousand people in the sqaure. Among the guests who had tickets were several protesters, including some from the NeitherBushNor Putin initiative. Bush praised Slovaks for making huge progress from the velvet days of 1989 and compared today's situation in Iraq with the one in Slovakia in 1989. He also expressed his appreciation for Slovakia's involvement in Kosovo and other foreign missions.

Several spectators who visited the public address of president GWB commented on the translation of the president's speech. According to some the splitting of the speech into paragraphs which had to be interpreted one by one ruined the atmosphere. During the translation by a native Slovak, President Bush watched the crowd and smiled. Foreign journalists present at the event said Bush hasn't done this for a very long time.

Two protesters who attended a demonstration at Hviezdoslavovo Square, the same place where President Bush was delivering his speech, were arrested by a special police unit. The protesters were both men, either Czechs or Slovaks and the police arrested them in front of the U.S. embassy. The two individuals were escorted away in a car, but no reason was stated at the scene.

24 februari 2005, 12:50 uur

Bush Holds Talks with President Gasparovic and Prime Minister Dzurinda

The United States are working on a "Travel Map" concerning the visa regime for Central Europe, Slovak President Ivan Gasparovic said after his meeting with US President George Bush in Bratislava on Thursday. It was expected that the Slovak president would reopen the visa issue. “I do not expect that the US would change its visa duty towards Slovakia valid from next week," Gasparovic said prior to the meeting. In the Bratislava Presidential Palace, both leaders opened up the issue of cooperation with the Ukraine. They also addressed the situation in the Balkans and in Iraq as well.

The US President and his wife Laura arrived at the Government Office at 10:30 a.m. for a meeting with Slovak Prime Minister Mikulas Dzurinda and his wife Eva. Speaking to journalists after the meeting the Prime Minister said:

“There are many reasons why not only America but also the democratic world including Slovakia, my home, we all need to have a strong president in the US. I’m very happy that the US president is very strong and courageous leader.”

Concerning the cancelation of the visa regime for Slovakia, President Bush said:

“I can’t give you the date. The visa policy was basically set based upon decisions made prior to 1989. So our policy still reflects over state as the result of people who left when people in this part of the world weren’t free. We need to adjust that we need to address those overstays in the light of people escaping a totalitarian regime. We’re in the process of doing that not just for Slovakia but for other countries in eastern Europe. We want to do this as quickly as possible.”

Laura Bush Opens Info USA Bratislava

The First Lady of the United States Laura Bush attended the ceremonial opening of the American information and cultural center called Info USA Bratislava on Thursday morning. In her speech to the audience she talked about Slovakia as a close friend and ally of the US.

“Our nation and our peoples are bound by common ideals and common values. One of the most cherished values is the importance of education.”

The center will open to the public in April when the University Library will reopen after an extensive and costly reconstruction.

24 februari 2005, 11:00 uur

Bush Holds Talks with Dzurinda

The US President George Bush and his wife Laura arrived at the Government Office at 10:30 a.m. for a meeting with Slovak Prime Minister Mikulas Dzurinda and his wife Eva. Before meeting Dzurinda, the US President held talks with Slovak President Ivan Gasparovic at the Presidential Palace. Bush's visit to the Presidential Palace was kept under tight security. The meeting with the Slovak President was the first event on Bush's Thursday's schedule.

The 18th century baroque Presidential Palace has a long history. Hungarian Count Anton Grassalkovich used it as his summer residence 300 years ago. Austrian Empress Maria Theresa visited the palace in 1775. During the recent communist era, it was the headquarters of the Bratislava Young Pioneers. Since 1996, when it became the official seat of the Slovak president, it has been visited by several royals, dozens of foreign presidents and many prominent politicians, among them former NATO Secretary-General George Robertson, the Swedish and Spanish kings, Prince Albert of Monaco, and former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. President Bush visited the Palace's Great Hall, which has retained the same appearance that it had under Empress Maria Theresa. The Reception Hall, where Bush held talks with Gasparovic, was originally Grassalkovich's music hall. The First Ladies met in the Golden Hall, which is furnished with original antique furniture and Chinese porcelain.

Laura Bush Opens Info Centre

The First Lady of the USA, Laura Bush and Minister of Culture for Slovakia Rudolf Chmel opened the new Information Center of the United States of America – InfoUSA at the University Library in Bratislava. The center is a result of cooperation between University Library and the US Embassy in Slovakia.

Save the Climate

Environmental activists from the international organization Greenpeace are protesting against George Bush's climate protection policies. On the banks of the Danube River they have hung a 40 meter long poster with the text "USA: save the climate now." A Greenpeace spokesperson said about 35 activists from 6 countries are gathered there.

New bridge Completely Closed

Although the organizers of the summit had said that the only access point to Hviezdoslav Square will be from the New Bridge side, the bridge is actually closed. Police completely closed the New Bridge shortly before half past eight to cars and pedestrians. The bridge will be closed until noon, when it will open for half an hour. Police are redirecting traffic to other bridges. On the road leading to New Bridge and Eistein street there is heavy traffic.The police has no information about when the bridge will reopen. The US President will deliver a speech to the public at Hviezdoslav square at 11:45.

Bush At US Ambassador Residence

American President George Bush and his wife First Lady Laura Bush were accommodated at the residence of the US Ambassador to Slovakia, located in the Bratislava's most luxurious quarter near the Slavin monument. Several media were informed that the Radisson SAS Carlton hotel as the "hot tip" for where the Bushes would stay. However, the area around the currently-unoccupied ambassadorial residence, which resembles the White House architecturally, was blocked off and a helicopter circled above on Wednesday evening. Further evidence of the move appeared shortly after 8 p.m., part of the convoy belonging to the column of the U.S. President arrived at the Carlton, on Hviezdoslav Square, but the President's limousine was not among them.

First Ladies

The US and Russian first ladies, Laura Bush and Ludmila Putin, will be given a tour of one of the Bratislava Old Town's landmarks, Primatial Palace, on Thursday. Accompanied by Mayor Andrej Durkovsky, the wives of the U.S. and Russian presidents will inspect the unique collection of tapestries woven by the royal weaving mill in Mortlake (near London) and sign their names into the Golden Book of Bratislava.

Pre Summit Meetings

American President George W. Bush, arrived in Bratislava on Wednesday evening will meet with Slovak President Ivan Gasparovic and Prime Minister Mikulas Dzurinda. Under strict security measures he will deliver an open-air speech to the public. Bush is looking forward to this part of the visit the most. Prime Minister Dzurinda will also inform President Bush about Slovakia's interest in further American investments, which should flow particularly into advanced technologies. Development in high-priority fields of Slovak foreign policy - in the western Balkan and in the Ukraine should also be themes of the meetings with President Gasparovic as well as Prime Minister Dzurinda.

American president George Bush will meet several key people who participated in building up freedom and democracy in the region. He will meet Martin Butora, Pavol Demes, and Alexander Bachnar from Slovakia. He will also meet eminent representatives and supporters of freedom from the Czech Republic, the Ukraine and Serbia.

US – Russia Summit

In the afternoon US President George Bush will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. They should hold about 2.5-hours of talks. The two Presidents plan to announce a joint security agreement to address the threat of nuclear terrorism and measures to increase protection of Russia's nuclear facilities. The agreement will provide a framework for possible bilateral American-Russian response to nuclear attack by terrorists. Another bilateral agreement to be signed in Bratislava is an agreement of non-proliferation of portable missiles fired from the shoulder.

24 februari 2005, 07:30 uur

Russian-American relations are not for weak characters

Maria Mikusova, Moskva

Russian president Vladimir Putin will arrive in Slovakia. He will be accompanied by the secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Igor Ivanov, Minister of Defense Sergey Ivanov, and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Before the expected meeting with American President George Bush, advisor to the Russian president Sergey Prichodko, who is also accompanying President Putin, said Russia will ignore the shouting of those who want to talk only about the difficulties of Russia. It is because the character of bilateral relations has been and will be essentially strategic. According to the advisor, President Putin was in a very active mood leading up to his meeting with George Bush. Prichodko denied the suggestions that the negotiation time of the meeting was shortened because both sides did not manage to agree on some issues. Prichodko expects several documents to be signed including an Agreement about the control of portable missile systems and several announcements pertaining to the program of talks. In the program there are plans for the next three-four years of cooperation in the areas of security, fighting international terrorism, non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, the situation in North Korea, Iran, Pakistan, Iraq, Kosovo and also economic programs including issues of energy sources and also AIDS treatment.

Experiment for two

Olga Bakova, Washington

The world is following the summit of George Bush and Vladimir Putin taking place today in Bratislava. Even though in comparison to bilateral meetings during the Cold War, today’s meetings may not be as intense, but the agenda of the American and Russia presidents is not insignificant. It is already the 12th meeting of George Bush and Vladimir Putin since meeting for the first time in Slovenia four years ago. The American President said then that he looked into the eyes of his Russian colleague and he saw the soul of a man he could trust. The relations of both world leaders started to worsen when Putin sided with opponents of the invasion of Iraq. It got even worse after Russia decided to sell missile systems to Syria, which, in America’s opinion, is supporting terrorism. Also recent statements that Iran is not making a nuclear bomb and that it is long-term partner of Moscow irritated Washington. Another sensitive issue for White House – Kremlin relations is the state of democracy in Russia. George Bush in an interview with Slovak Radio said that he plans to talk about democracy with his partner. American analysts believe that George Bush has a unique opportunity to do so in Bratislava. If he does not use it, he will undermine his doctrine about spreading democracy and freedom around the world.

23 februari 2005, 22:30 uur

Plans for Speech

Before his speech at Hviezdoslav square on Thursday, the US President will hold official talks with Slovak President Ivan Gasparovic and Prime Minister Mikulas Dzurinda. He will privately meet with veterans of the struggle for freedom and democracy from central and eastern Europe. The summit of Presidents Bush and Putin should begin in the afternoon at Bratislava Castle. The Russian President is scheduled to arrive in Bratislava early in the afternoon.

American President George Bush will deliver a speech to the public on Thursday morning at Hviezdoslav square in Bratislava. The only access point to the square will be from the New Bridge side. Everyone who wants to attend the event will have to go through a security check. The President will also talk about the participation of Slovak soldiers in Iraqi operations. He plans to pay tribute to Peter Dinga, Vladimír Simonides and Miroslav Frká? who died in Iraq in June last year.

Businesses Promote Slovakia

Some local and multinational companies doing business in Slovakia have decided to use the summit to promote this country abroad. They have organized a series of conferences to inform journalists about Slovakia’s business environment. Ivan Stefanec, the main organizer explains.

“We know that Slovakia is still not very well known over the world so we would like to utilise this opportunity and provide information about Slovak culture, nature and economy, let me say the success of Slovakia over the last couple of years.”

The conferences cover a wide range of topics from developments in the automotive industry to human capital development. They started today and will continue Thursday and Friday.

Galleries And Museums Open

During the visit of the two presidents, all galleries and museums in Bratislava are open until 10 pm. The Bratislava City Gallery is presenting the works of internationally renowned artist Albin Brunovsky in Palffy palace in the centre.

23 februari 2005, 20:00 uur

George Bush Arrives To Bratislava

President George W. Bush is the first American president to visit Slovakia. His meeting with Russian President Putin should focus on surface-to-air missile limitations and possibly human rights issues in Russia. More important for Slovakia will be Bush's talk with President Ivan Gasparovic and PM Mikulas Dzurinda. Both politicians confirmed they want to raise the issue of cancellation of visa requirements for Slovaks. Bush left the airport without making any statement. He will speak tomorrow, his public address starts at 11:30 a.m.

23 februari 2005, 17:30 uur

Schröder hosts Bush

Germany is another stop of American president George Bush on his way through Europe. Earlier today he landed at a military airport in Frankfurt. His visit is marked by strong security measures and scattered protests concerning his politics. In the Region of Meinz city, where the second official visit of George Bush to Germany is being hosted, is almost hermetically sealed. According to traffic police in Wiesbaden, all surrounding highways are closed. They have been closed for security reasons since about 2 a.m. More than 10 thousand policemen will watch over the visit.

American president George Bush will meet German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder and talk about improving German-American relations. However, George Bush and Gerhard Schröder will not avoid sensitive topics such as international policies, namely the nuclear program of Iran and the Middle East peace process.

Survey about Bush-Putin summit

A recent survey shows that the Slovak public believe the meeting of George Bush and Vladimir Putin taking place in Bratislava tomorrow will be positive. The survey taken between 3rd and 10th of February by the Institute of Political Science and the Department of Media research of Slovak Radio has more than 2200. Citizens see the biggest benefit of the summit is for Slovakia’s international profile. According to the survey more than two thirds of respondents think that this event will increase the prestige of Slovakia internationally.

There is also a strong conviction in connection with the meeting of the presidents. According to 67% of respondents the summit will improve the positive image of coalition politicians in Slovakia. More than half of the respondents believe there will be benefits for the Slovak economy and 45% feel the summit will help improve the development of tourism in Slovakia.

Before the summit

Tonight American President George Bush will be the first American President to visit Slovakia. The main part of his program is undoubtedly his meeting with Vladimir Putin. However, Slovakia expects a lot from the talks of the presidents with the highest representatives of Slovakia. Minister of Foreign Affairs Eduard Kukan said that Slovakia would like to participate in future operations in Afghanistan and in Iraq.

Slovakia also wants to talk about other issues and not only popular visa policies, even though this issue is a major one. Kukan stressed Slovakia’s role in helping to find solutions for global issues. ”We are going to confirm our willingness and our commitment to further participate in all operations that take place around the world and with the aim of bringing more stability to regional conflicts. Mainly we want to participate in future operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.”

Economic issues will be dominating Kukan’s talks with Vladimir Putin. The reason is the failure of a bi-lateral committee, whose activities may be renewed just after the visit of the Russian President. Kukan said “I have a feeling, that the agreement about economic, scientific and technologic cooperation is ready to be signed.”

23 februari 2005, 14:30 uur

George Bush and Vladimir Putin About The Summit

U.S. President George Bush is scheduled to arrive in Bratislava on Wednesday evening around 7 p.m. In a recent interview he told Slovak Radio what is behind the idea of holding the summit here.

“I have always felt like countries like the Slovak Republic are really important for the world to know more about. As you know I am a great believer in liberty. And this is a country which is succeeding. There is bumps in the road; it is difficult but successful. I am looking forward to come. It is a highlight of the trip.

Shortly ahead of the summit in Bratislava, Russian president Vladimir Putin gave an exclusive interview to Slovak Radio. He said that the key topics of the talks with his US counterpart will be mutual economic relations, the situation in Iraq, Iran and North Korea’s nuclear plans. Discussing the question of human rights in Russia, Vladimir Putin said:

“Russia decided for democracy 14 years ago. The main democratic principles have to follow the current reality of Russian life-our traditions and history. This will be done by us. A well meaning, although critical point of view, will not harm but help us.”

Bratislava Getting Ready For The Summit

Prime Minister Mikulas Dzurinda intends to raise the issue of the US visa requirements during the Bush-Putin summit in Bratislava. Regarding the summit Slovak President Ivan Gasparovic said he was not going to talk about democracy in Russia or about other sensitive topics. He also mentioned that cancellation of visa duty for Slovaks is not likely now and that there is a little chance that George Bush would make a firm promise at this point.

In three security zones in the center of Bratislava numerous security barriers have been erected. Water cannons, armoured vehicles, helicopters and special cars will be used if needed by security forces. 5300 policemen, 400 soldiers and 400 firefighters will patrol the area during the summit. The Ministry of the Interior asks residents and visitors to respect police orders. People that move around the security zones should carry valid identification with them.

The US and Russian first ladies, Laura Bush and Ludmila Putin, will be given a tour of one of the Bratislava Old Town's landmarks, Primatial Palace, on Thursday. Accompanied by Mayor Andrej Durkovsky, the wives of U.S. and Russian presidents will inspect the unique collection of tapestries woven by the royal weaving mill in Mortlake (near London) and sign their names into the Golden Book of Bratislava. At the Hall of Mirrors they will attend a short concert by a pianist-backed Bratislava boy's choir, which will perform American, Russian and Slovak compositions.

Three foreign journalists were denied accreditation for the summit of American President George W. Bush and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Bratislava. Spokesman for the Foreign Ministry Juraj Tomaga confirmed this on Tuesday. However, he declined to specify the reasons. Slovak intelligence service, the SIS, was in charge of security screenings of journalists. SIS spokesman Vladimir Simko explained that SIS checked applications for accreditation and it passed on its findings to relevant authorities. However, the SIS cannot disclose its conclusions, since it is classified information.

During the Bush-Putin summit the air-space above Bratislava will be a no-go zone for five hours. Slovak Armed Forces will secure the air-space during the summit with aeroplanes and equipment for air defence. According to a Government ruling, the Defence Minister can give an order to shoot down a suspicious civil aeroplane if it appears in the air-space illegally. Police warn drivers against temporary transportation restrictions in Bratislava during the summit.

The arrival of American President George Bush and Russian President Vladimir Putin will also affect air traffic in the country. Some flights might be delayed. Air Force One is scheduled to land in Bratislava on Wednesday evening with President Bush on board.

From 7 p.m. Wednesday Slovakia will restrict international shipping along Bratislava's section of the Danube River until Friday due to the upcoming Bush-Putin summit. Cargo and passenger ships will be prohibited from using their usual routes, although they will be allowed to anchor in nearby ports. Sail-propelled vessels will only be allowed movement at specified times.

23 februari 2005, 12:50 uur

Putin talks with Slovak Radio

Shortly ahead of the summit in Bratislava, Russian president Vladimir Putin gave an exclusive interview to Slovak Radio. He said that the key topics of talks with his US counterpart will be mutual economic relations, the situation in Iraq, Iran and North Korea’s nuclear plans. Discussing the question of human rights in Russia, Vladimir Putin said:

“Russia decided for democracy 14 years ago. The main democratic principles have to follow the current reality of Russian life-our traditions and history. This will be done by us. A well meaning, although critical point of view, will not harm but help us.”

Strengthening Crown

The Slovak currency is continuing to strengthen and is now just below the 38 crown mark. Interventions by the National Bank of Slovakia have been futile in their attempts to slow its rise. Compared to the American dollar the Slovak crown increased its value. The exchange rate is 28.64 crowns for one American dollar. This is the lowest exchange rate since beginning of the year.

23 februari 2005, 11:40 uur

Bush to talk at SNT

President George Bush will deliver his public speech in front of the Slovak National Theater in Hviezdoslavovo Square. Portable stands are now being built, in which only people who have tickets will be seated. Some Bratislava citizens criticize the fact that only carefully chosen viewers will enjoy closer contact, as the tickets were awarded by the U.S. embassy.

Not pleased with Bush-Putin

Approximately 120 people gathered in the former V-club in SNP square yesterday evening. They participated in a screening and lecture organized by the NeitherBushNorPutin Initiative about George Bush’s and Vladimir Putin’s policies. Stefan Szilva, a member of the initiative, announced a peaceful protest at the Hviezdoslavove Square on Thursday. NeitherBushNorPutin is a civil organization of people who want to express their opinions about the Bush-Putin summit. They are not supported by any political party, or other organization.

Border woes

Because of Bush-Putin summit police have increased security measures at border crossings. Serving policemen said that the measures did not cause longer waiting times. The head of shift said every car will wait approximately 30 minutes because of cautious checks.

Tight Security

In three security zones in the center of Bratislava numerous security barriers have been erected. Water cannons, armored vehicles, helicopters and special cars will be used if needed by security forces. 5300 policemen, 400 soldiers and 400 firefighters will patrol the area during the summit. The Ministry of the Interior asks residents and visitors to respect police orders. People that move around the security zones should carry valid identification with them.

Getting Around

Public transportation officials in Bratislava have said that the routes of some trolley-buses will change on Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Bus number 203 will not operate, bus numbers 207, 208, 212, 213 will have changed routes.

Bush-Putin cause traffic headaches

Restrictions related to the Bush-Putin summit started today at border crossings between Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Trucks are not allowed to enter the country which is causing traffic jams in both directions, making it very complicated for cars and buses on regular lines to cross. Furthermore, during specified time periods trucks won't be allowed to enter the city at all.

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