Bush: Slovakia An Example For Iraq

Says Country Has Made 'Historic Progress'; Opens Meeting With Putin

(CBS/AP)  President Bush on Thursday said Iraq is following the lead of Slovaks who shook off the yoke of communism and became "friends, allies and brothers" in the global fight for freedom.

"Your example is inspiring newly liberated people," Mr. Bush said, standing in a crowded square in the capital of this central European nation, which has sent contingents to both Iraq and Afghanistan. "You're showing that a small nation built on a big idea can spread liberty throughout the world."

Mr. Bush spoke just before opening a highly anticipated meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Mr. Bush called Iraq's quest for freedom a modern-day "Purple Revolution" — a reference to how Iraqis proudly held up fingers dipped in purple ink to prove they had cast ballots in the Jan. 30 elections.

He said that reminded him of the 1989 so-called Velvet Revolution that peacefully toppled communism in Slovakia, which was then part of Czechoslovakia.

"For the Iraqi people, this is their 1989 and they will always remember who stood with them in their quest for freedom," he said.

Mr. Bush's visit here is the first by an American president since Slovakia shunned communism and gained independence following a split in 1993 from the former Czechoslovakia.

"By claiming your own freedom, you inspired a revolution that liberated your nation and helped to transform a continent," he said.

CBS News Correspondent Mark Knoller reports the Bush-Putin summit, in a medieval castle by the Danube River, gives Mr. Bush a chance to highlight democracy in Slovakia while raising democratic concerns with Putin in light of recent Kremlin crackdowns on the media and free enterprise.

"I look forward to talking to him about his decision-making process," Mr. Bush told a group of young German business leaders Wednesday in Mainz, Germany. He said he is particularly concerned about Putin's curbs on press freedoms.

Slovak officials said they believed their nation was chosen as the venue for the Bush-Putin summit because in the past 15 years, Slovakia has turned sharply toward democracy and, just last spring, joined both NATO and the European Union.

"The Slovak people have made historic progress," Mr. Bush said. "You regained your sovereignty and independence. You built a successful democracy. You established a free economy. ... The American people are proud to call you allies and friends and brothers in the cause of freedom."

Thousands of people bundled against the cold stood in the cobblestone town square here to hear Mr. Bush's speech. Flags of the United States and Slovakia were draped on surrounding buildings and Mr. Bush's speech was televised on screens above the stage so people could see him.

A light, wet snow did not dampen the enthusiasm of the crowd, who heartily cheered Bush when he greeted them with "Dobry den!" or "Good day!"

Mr. Bush delivered his speech from behind a transparent bulletproof screen. Military sharpshooters used binoculars to scan the square from their rooftop posts. Small pockets of protesters far back in the crowd held up a banner that said "No AK-47, no MIG-21." Others held up a banner with a peace sign.

Slovakia, a national of just 5.4 million people, has sent troops to Afghanistan and Iraq, breaking ranks with more powerful U.S. allies, such as France and Germany, who opposed the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.

"Slovakia has taken great risks for freedom in Afghanistan and Iraq," Mr. Bush said. "You have proved yourself a trusted friend and a reliable ally."

"We will help you to improve your military forces, so we can strengthen our ability to work together in the cause of freedom," he said.

Mr. Bush drew a loud cheer when he promised to ease visa requirements.

"We're working with your government to make it easier for Slovaks to travel to the United States of America," he said. "Hundreds of thousands of our citizens can trace their roots back to this country. Slovak immigrants helped build America and shape its character."