Prague, Czech Republic – President Bush on Tuesday accused Russia of backsliding on democratic reforms but promised President Vladmir Putin he has nothing to fear from a U.S. missile-defense shield in Europe.
“The Cold War is over,” Bush insisted.
“Russia is not our enemy,” Bush emphasized as relations between Washington and Moscow fell deeper into an icy chill with Putin’s threat to retarget rockets at Europe.
In a swift turn of events, China joined Russia in criticizing the U.S. anti-missile system. Then, Bush faulted Russia and China for their troubled rec ords on democracy.
The accusations and finger- pointing created a tense atmosphere for the annual summit of leaders of the world’s most prosperous nations, beginning today in the Baltic Sea resort of Heiligendamm, Germany.
U.S.-Russia relations are arguably worse than they have been at any time since the collapse of the Soviet Union, with bitter differences across a range of issues. White House officials say they have been surprised by the depth of Putin’s anger over the missile-defense plan.
Many ordinary Czechs worry that the defense shield could make them terrorist targets. Czech President Vaclav Klaus raised those concerns during a meeting with Bush in the medieval Prague Castle.
“The people of the Czech Republic don’t have to choose between being a friend to the United States or a friend with Russia,” Bush reassured Klaus. “You can be both.”
With nerves jangled by the rising tensions, Bush felt it necessary to state what has been obvious for about two decades: “The Cold War is over. It ended.”
Bush said the sole purpose of the defense system is to defend against a rogue regime; U.S. officials say he was talking about Iran and North Korea.
Bush invited Putin to cooperate on missile defense.
“Why don’t you participate with the United States?” Bush said he would ask Putin when they meet. “Please send your generals over to see how such a system would work. Send your scientists.”
Before leaving Prague, Bush spoke at a democracy forum and met with about 30 political dissidents from around the world.
“China’s leaders believe that they can continue to open the nation’s economy without also opening its political system. We disagree,” Bush said to applause from the audience. “In Russia, reforms that once promised to empower citizens have been derailed, with troubling implications for democratic development.”
He softened the criticism by saying, “America can maintain a friendship and push a nation toward democracy at the same time.”
