US President George W. Bush hailed Slovaks yesterday as "friends, allies and brothers" in the fight for global freedom and thanked the country for deploying a small but symbolic contingent of troops to Iraq.
In an address to a crowd gathered on a Bratislava square in a light snowfall, Bush saluted the ex-communist country for standing with the US and its other European allies. "You are showing that a small nation built on a big idea can spread liberty throughout the world," he said.
"You are friends, allies and brothers in the cause of freedom," Bush said after drawing huge cheers by greeting the crowd with a hearty: "Dobry den!" or "Good day!"
Bush also praised Central and Eastern European war veterans, including World War II-era resistance fighters, who were invited as guests to yesterday's address. "You have fought freedom's fight in their homelands. We thank you for your example, your courage and your sacrifice," he said.
"Slovaks know the horror of tyranny," Bush said.
Slovakia shook off 41 years of communist rule in 1989, and last year it joined both the EU and NATO. The country has deployed about 100 non-combat troops to Iraq, mostly for de-mining operations, and has sent soldiers to Afghanistan.
"You have proved yourself a trusted friend and a dependable ally," Bush said. "The American people appreciate your courage and value your friendship."
It was the first visit by a US president since the country gained its independence in 1993 with the peaceful split of Czechoslovakia into the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Helicopters made low passes over Slovakia's capital and heavily armed police guarded the presidential palace and government complex yesterday as Bush met earlier with the country's top leaders ahead of an afternoon summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
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