a tense summit in Slovakia Thursday February 24, amid Western concern over Moscow’s backsliding on democracy and religious freedom.
Church leaders in the region closely followed the outcome of the summit, BosNewsLife learned. "There is concern about new legislation in Russia that could ban smaller, newer congregations," said Goos Vedder, a recognized international ‘Apostle’ who has helped to set up churches throughout the former East block since 1989.
While they still called each other by their first names after nearly two hours of talks in Bratislava’s snow covered castle, a news conference made clear that the relationship between America and Russia has run into trouble.
President Bush, a self proclaimed ‘born again’ believer, also failed to convince his Russian counterpart Putin to stop Moscow’s involvement in building Iran’s nuclear power plant, despite international fears it will be used to develop atomic bombs.
He also was unable to convince Putin to stop selling advanced missile systems to Syria, which Washington fears could be used against Israel.
TOUGH DEBATE
After being questioned by reporters it emerged their had been a tough debate between the two state leaders concerning Western worries over Russia’s alleged crack down on democratic institutions, and a free media.
In addition Bush stressed there should be more transparency towards investments in Russia, a reference to the recent controversial Kremlin led break-up of oil giant company Yukos. "He asked me what some of my concerns were and he explained answers. And I told him that it is very important that capital sees rule of law that there is stability and that there not be any doubt whether the law changed," Bush said.
"And I think he heard me loud and clear and Vladimir told me why he made the decisions he made. We had very frank discussions, " the American president added.
Both leaders were able to agree on more vaguely formulated issues such as the need to contain North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and fight international terrorism.
PUTIN ANGRY
But Putin sharply responded to criticism of his country and made it clear he would now allow the west to dictate its concept of democracy to him, nor heed any threats regarding Russia’s participation in the G8 Group of industrialized nations. Without mentioning the US by name, the visible irritated Putin stressed those criticizing his country do not know what they talk about.
"I have already mentioned. I get the impression that the public in our partner countries do not have the full knowledge or the full understanding of what is taking place in the Russian federation," he said.
Democracy was also a key theme for Bush when he addressed thousands of enthusiastic Slovaks in down town Bratislava earlier in the day.
Among those invited to see the president were families of three Slovak soldiers killed in Iraq last year, when they served in the US-led international coalition of military forces. An emotional Bush praised the former Communist nation as a staunch US ally and recalled how the struggle for freedom began nearly 17 years ago on the same square where he was invited.
VELVET REVOLUTION
"Almost 17 years ago thousands of Slovaks gathered peacefully in front of this theater [of this square]. They came not to welcome a visiting president but to light candles, to sing hymns and to pray for an end to tyranny and the restoration of religious liberty."
President Bush said he was thankful people like Slovak soldiers were prepared to give their lives in Iraq so millions would eventually live in freedom. He said January’s elections in the troubled Middle Eastern nation was "the Velvet Revolution of the Iraqi people" as it showed they were not afraid for the violent insurgents who have claimed many lives with suicide attacks.
He also urged those who participated in Slovakia’s Velvet Revolution against Communist dictatorship to teach their children about freedom. While not all Slovaks agree with the Bush administration’s views on freedom, they believe he managed to give their small nation its 15 minutes of fame.
SLOVAKIA ON MAP
"At least it will show people where Slovakia is on the map," said 30-year old taxi driver Robert Bihari. He still recalls when in 1999 than governor and presidential candidate Bush mistook the prime minister of Slovenia for Slovakia. The summit gave Bush a chance to set the record straight.
Slovakia, a small nation of just over 5 million people, became independent on January 1, 1993 after the break up in two of what was Czechoslovakia. It joined both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004.
