Bush Gets Warm Welcome in Albania

Associated Press
June 10, 2007 12:15 p.m.

TIRANA, Albania -- President Bush, getting a hero's welcome as the
first American president to visit this Balkan nation, said Sunday
there cannot be endless dialogue about achieving independence for
neighboring Kosovo.

"At some point in time -- sooner rather than later -- you've got to
say 'Enough is enough. Kosovo is independent' and that's the position
we've taken," Mr. Bush said during a news conference with the prime
minister of this tiny, poor country.


Mr. Bush's press for statehood was aimed at Russia and others that
object to Kosovo's independence. Standing alongside Prime Minister
Sali Berisha, Mr. Bush said any extension of talks on Kosovo must have
"certain independence" as the goal.

In response to Albania's push for NATO membership, Mr. Bush said
additional political and military reforms were needed before that
could be considered -- something the country's leaders said they
understood. "We are determined to take any decision, adopt any law,
undertake any reform that would make Albania suitable to receive the
invitation" to join the western military alliance, Mr. Berisha said.

When Mr. Bush arrived for his brief visit, the hills overlooking the
capital boomed as military cannons fired a 21-gun salute, and
thousands gathered in a downtown square on a brilliantly sunny day to
see him and first lady Laura Bush. Huge banners proclaimed "Proud to
be Partners" and billboards said "President Bush in Albania Making
History." Red-white-and-blue paper top hats with stars on top were
distributed to well-wishers. Albania also issued three postage stamps
with Bush's picture and the Statue of Liberty, and renamed a street in
front of parliament in his honor.


Mr. Berisha said the visit was historic. "Among us is the greatest and
most distinguished guest we have ever had in all times, the president
of the United States of America, the leading country of the free
world," he said.

Mr. Bush said he was proud to be the first sitting president to visit.
"I love to come to countries that are working hard to establish the
institutions necessary for a democracy to survive," he said.

Albania, a former communist country, was ruled from the end of World
War II by dictator Enver Hoxha. He oversaw construction of more than
600,000 concrete, pillbox bunkers as lookouts and gun emplacements out
of paranoia about being invaded. And he discouraged people from
leaving or admitting foreigners, saying Albania was paradise. Mr.
Hoxha died in 1985. Albania emerged from isolation in 1990, but
remains one of Europe's poorest countries.

Mr. Bush stopped at a cafe in Fushe Kruje on his way to the airport
for the flight to Bulgaria -- the final stop on his six-country trip
-- and met with businessmen helped by U.S. microlending programs.
People waiting on the sidewalks behind yellow police tape gave him a
boisterous welcome, shouting "Bushie, Bushie." He was practically
manhandled as he shook hands along the line. Albanians reached out and
embraced him, grabbing at his arms, shoulders and head, mussing his
hair as Secret Service agents held him by the waist from behind.

The issue of independence for the Serbian province of Kosovo marks
another difference of opinion between the U.S. and Russia. Russia, an
ally of Serbia, contends independence would set a dangerous precedent
for the world's other breakaway regions. Serbia also opposes statehood
for Kosovo, which it sees as the heart of its historic homeland.

The U.S. and key European countries that support independence are
trying to narrow differences with Russia over the future of Kosovo,
which has been run by the U.N. since a 1999 war between Serb forces
and ethnic Albanian rebels. The U.N. Security Council is divided over
the issue. Last month, the U.S. and European nations introduced a
revised U.N. resolution supporting independence for Kosovo under
international supervision, but it was immediately rejected by Russia
-- which hinted it would veto the measure.

The new draft addressed Russia's concern that Kosovo's multiethnic
character is preserved, but left out Russia's main proposal for new
negotiations between the province's majority ethnic Albanians, who
demand independence, and its minority Serbs, who want to remain part
of Serbia.

"I happen to believe it's important to push the process along," Mr.
Bush said. "The time is now. .. Secretary (of State Condoleezza) Rice
will be moving hard to see if we can't reach an agreement. And if not,
we're going to have to move. Independence is the goal."

Russia also opposes NATO's spread into eastern Europe, and is
concerned about the prospect that its neighbors Ukraine and Georgia
may be brought into the western military alliance.

Mr. Berisha said 90% of his country's people support NATO membership
for Albania. Mr. Bush said he commended Mr. Berisha on Albania's
progress on reforming its defense forces and meeting performance-based
standards required for membership. "I look forward to welcoming you
sometime into NATO," he said.


But he said additional political and military reforms were needed,
along with more progress in fighting organized crime and corruption.
Mr. Berisha said he understood and is committed to making the changes.
"I said, 'We're committed to help you,'" Mr. Bush said.

In saluting Albania's democracy, Mr. Bush praised it as a country that
has "cast off the shackles of a very oppressive society and is now
showing the world what's possible."

Mr. Bush also met with Albanian President Alfred Moisiu and greeted
troops who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Albania recently decided to
triple its deployment in Afghanistan to 140 troops. It also has about
120 troops in Iraq -- a presence that Mr. Moisiu says will continue as
long as Americans are engaged there.

Mr. Bush also had lunch with the prime ministers of Albania, Macedonia
and Croatia

Are we supposed to be impressed?

Bush is merely riding the wave of goodwill created by Clinton's decision
to confront Serbian atrocities against ethnic Albanians in Kosovo.


Earl Evleth wrote:
Associated Press
June 10, 2007 12:15 p.m.

TIRANA, Albania -- President Bush, getting a hero's welcome as the
first American president to visit this Balkan nation, said Sunday
there cannot be endless dialogue about achieving independence for
neighboring Kosovo.

"At some point in time -- sooner rather than later -- you've got to
say 'Enough is enough. Kosovo is independent' and that's the position
we've taken," Mr. Bush said during a news conference with the prime
minister of this tiny, poor country.


Mr. Bush's press for statehood was aimed at Russia and others that
object to Kosovo's independence. Standing alongside Prime Minister
Sali Berisha, Mr. Bush said any extension of talks on Kosovo must have
"certain independence" as the goal.

In response to Albania's push for NATO membership, Mr. Bush said
additional political and military reforms were needed before that
could be considered -- something the country's leaders said they
understood. "We are determined to take any decision, adopt any law,
undertake any reform that would make Albania suitable to receive the
invitation" to join the western military alliance, Mr. Berisha said.

When Mr. Bush arrived for his brief visit, the hills overlooking the
capital boomed as military cannons fired a 21-gun salute, and
thousands gathered in a downtown square on a brilliantly sunny day to
see him and first lady Laura Bush. Huge banners proclaimed "Proud to
be Partners" and billboards said "President Bush in Albania Making
History." Red-white-and-blue paper top hats with stars on top were
distributed to well-wishers. Albania also issued three postage stamps
with Bush's picture and the Statue of Liberty, and renamed a street in
front of parliament in his honor.


Mr. Berisha said the visit was historic. "Among us is the greatest and
most distinguished guest we have ever had in all times, the president
of the United States of America, the leading country of the free
world," he said.

Mr. Bush said he was proud to be the first sitting president to visit.
"I love to come to countries that are working hard to establish the
institutions necessary for a democracy to survive," he said.

Albania, a former communist country, was ruled from the end of World
War II by dictator Enver Hoxha. He oversaw construction of more than
600,000 concrete, pillbox bunkers as lookouts and gun emplacements out
of paranoia about being invaded. And he discouraged people from
leaving or admitting foreigners, saying Albania was paradise. Mr.
Hoxha died in 1985. Albania emerged from isolation in 1990, but
remains one of Europe's poorest countries.

Mr. Bush stopped at a cafe in Fushe Kruje on his way to the airport
for the flight to Bulgaria -- the final stop on his six-country trip
-- and met with businessmen helped by U.S. microlending programs.
People waiting on the sidewalks behind yellow police tape gave him a
boisterous welcome, shouting "Bushie, Bushie." He was practically
manhandled as he shook hands along the line. Albanians reached out and
embraced him, grabbing at his arms, shoulders and head, mussing his
hair as Secret Service agents held him by the waist from behind.

The issue of independence for the Serbian province of Kosovo marks
another difference of opinion between the U.S. and Russia. Russia, an
ally of Serbia, contends independence would set a dangerous precedent
for the world's other breakaway regions. Serbia also opposes statehood
for Kosovo, which it sees as the heart of its historic homeland.

The U.S. and key European countries that support independence are
trying to narrow differences with Russia over the future of Kosovo,
which has been run by the U.N. since a 1999 war between Serb forces
and ethnic Albanian rebels. The U.N. Security Council is divided over
the issue. Last month, the U.S. and European nations introduced a
revised U.N. resolution supporting independence for Kosovo under
international supervision, but it was immediately rejected by Russia
-- which hinted it would veto the measure.

The new draft addressed Russia's concern that Kosovo's multiethnic
character is preserved, but left out Russia's main proposal for new
negotiations between the province's majority ethnic Albanians, who
demand independence, and its minority Serbs, who want to remain part
of Serbia.

"I happen to believe it's important to push the process along," Mr.
Bush said. "The time is now. .. Secretary (of State Condoleezza) Rice
will be moving hard to see if we can't reach an agreement. And if not,
we're going to have to move. Independence is the goal."

Russia also opposes NATO's spread into eastern Europe, and is
concerned about the prospect that its neighbors Ukraine and Georgia
may be brought into the western military alliance.

Mr. Berisha said 90% of his country's people support NATO membership
for Albania. Mr. Bush said he commended Mr. Berisha on Albania's
progress on reforming its defense forces and meeting performance-based
standards required for membership. "I look forward to welcoming you
sometime into NATO," he said.


But he said additional political and military reforms were needed,
along with more progress in fighting organized crime and corruption.
Mr. Berisha said he understood and is committed to making the changes.
"I said, 'We're committed to help you,'" Mr. Bush said.

In saluting Albania's democracy, Mr. Bush praised it as a country that
has "cast off the shackles of a very oppressive society and is now
showing the world what's possible."

Mr. Bush also met with Albanian President Alfred Moisiu and greeted
troops who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Albania recently decided to
triple its deployment in Afghanistan to 140 troops. It also has about
120 troops in Iraq -- a presence that Mr. Moisiu says will continue as
long as Americans are engaged there.

Mr. Bush also had lunch with the prime ministers of Albania, Macedonia
and Croatia

On Jun 10, 2:17?pm, Some dumb guy wrote:
Are we supposed to be impressed?

Bush is merely riding the wave of goodwill created by Clinton's decision
to confront Serbian atrocities against ethnic Albanians in Kosovo.


And Bush's decision to confront Saddam Hussein's atrocities against
Iraqis

On Jun 10, 9:49 pm, zorba wrote:
On Jun 10, 2:17?pm, Some dumb guy wrote:

Are we supposed to be impressed?

Bush is merely riding the wave of goodwill created by Clinton's decision
to confront Serbian atrocities against ethnic Albanians in Kosovo.

And Bush's decision to confront Saddam Hussein's atrocities against
Iraqis

I would greet him warmly with some nice warn urine in his face.

"BushRuinsTheWorldandtheUSA" wrote in message
oups.com...
On Jun 10, 9:49 pm, zorba wrote:
On Jun 10, 2:17?pm, Some dumb guy wrote:

Are we supposed to be impressed?

Bush is merely riding the wave of goodwill created by Clinton's decision
to confront Serbian atrocities against ethnic Albanians in Kosovo.

And Bush's decision to confront Saddam Hussein's atrocities against
Iraqis

I would greet him warmly with some nice warn urine in his face.

While I'm not a big supporter of the liar Bush, insignificant wimps like
you always talk quite brave, until a guy in a black suit and dark glasses,
tasked with protecting the liar Bush happens to glance at you in the
crowd close to Bush... then the only urine would be that flowing down
your pant leg in fear.


Planet Visitor II
Official publisher of AADP Official dictionary
http://www.planetvisitor.name/dictionary.html

"Planet Visitor II" wrote in message
...

While I'm not a big supporter of the liar Bush, insignificant wimps like
you always talk quite brave, until a guy in a black suit and dark glasses,
tasked with protecting the liar Bush happens to glance at you in the
crowd close to Bush... then the only urine would be that flowing down
your pant leg in fear.

Rubbish.

What's he gonna do.

Pull out his big black gun and shoot you for shouting 'You're a ******' at
an obvious ******.


--
William Black


I've seen things you people wouldn't believe.
Barbeques on fire by the chalets past the castle headland
I watched the gift shops glitter in the darkness off the Newborough gate
All these moments will be lost in time, like icecream on the beach
Time for tea.

On Sun, 10 Jun 2007 21:49:31 -0700, zorba wrote:

On Jun 10, 2:17?pm, Some dumb guy wrote:
Are we supposed to be impressed?

Bush is merely riding the wave of goodwill created by Clinton's decision
to confront Serbian atrocities against ethnic Albanians in Kosovo.


And Bush's decision to confront Saddam Hussein's atrocities against
Iraqis

Bush commits more atrocities against more Iraqis
in less time than Saddam Hussein ever did.

On 11 juin, 11:45, * US * wrote:
On Sun, 10 Jun 2007 21:49:31 -0700, zorba wrote:
On Jun 10, 2:17?pm, Some dumb guy wrote:
Are we supposed to be impressed?

Bush is merely riding the wave of goodwill created by Clinton's decision
to confront Serbian atrocities against ethnic Albanians in Kosovo.

And Bush's decision to confront Saddam Hussein's atrocities against
Iraqis

Bush commits more atrocities against more Iraqis
in less time than Saddam Hussein ever did.

Well George Bush will be President of the USA until noon January 20,
2009. So deal with it. BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!

On Mon, 11 Jun 2007 06:01:51 -0700, Atilla the Homophobe wrote:

Well George Bush ...

You admire him because he's the "Heir to the Holocaust",
don't you.

On Sun, 10 Jun 2007 21:49:31 -0700, zorba wrote:

On Jun 10, 2:17?pm, Some dumb guy wrote:
Are we supposed to be impressed?

Bush is merely riding the wave of goodwill created by Clinton's decision
to confront Serbian atrocities against ethnic Albanians in Kosovo.


And Bush's decision to confront Saddam Hussein's atrocities against
Iraqis

Bush commits more atrocities against more Iraqis
in less time than Saddam Hussein ever did.

On Jun 11, 12:25 pm, "Planet Visitor II" wrote:
"BushRuinsTheWorldandtheUSA" wrote in message

oups.com...

On Jun 10, 9:49 pm, zorba wrote:
On Jun 10, 2:17?pm, Some dumb guy wrote:

Are we supposed to be impressed?

Bush is merely riding the wave of goodwill created by Clinton's decision
to confront Serbian atrocities against ethnic Albanians in Kosovo.

And Bush's decision to confront Saddam Hussein's atrocities against
Iraqis

I would greet him warmly with some nice warn urine in his face.

While I'm not a big supporter of the liar Bush, insignificant wimps like
you always talk quite brave, until a guy in a black suit and dark glasses,
tasked with protecting the liar Bush happens to glance at you in the
crowd close to Bush... then the only urine would be that flowing down
your pant leg in fear.

Planet Visitor II
Official publisher of AADP Official dictionaryhttp://www.planetvisitor.name/dictionary.html

Maybe he has a strong stream. Problem is bush is used to it; he
****es himself to sleep everynight.

Ah good old albania, with a saddam-like dictator and child sex
economy, well a bush just can't go wrong.