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Bush visits to Baltics not a hit in Russia

RIGA, Latvia - President Bush, ignoring Moscow's objections about his trip to former Soviet republics, said Friday that Russia should treat its neighbors with respect and not fear the rise of new democracies along its borders.

Bush opened a fast-paced, four-country journey to mark the 60th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany. He will meet today with the leaders of Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia.

For these Baltic countries, the end of World War II did not bring liberation. Instead, they traded Nazi oppression for nearly five decades of Soviet occupation.

Bush said he has reminded Russian President Vladimir Putin about that history, ahead of the victory celebrations. "Frankly, it's the beginning of a difficult period, and I can understand why some leaders of countries aren't going and some others are," Bush said of the anniversary events.

Lithuania's President Valdas Adamkus and Estonia's President Arnold Ruutel say they will stay home when dozens of world leaders - Bush included - go to Moscow for a parade Monday honoring Russia's sacrifices to defeat the Nazis.

Moscow is unhappy about Bush's stops in former Soviet republics Latvia and Georgia, seen by Russia as interference in its neighborhood. He also will visit the Netherlands. Bush said he would tell Putin he should welcome peaceful democracies on Russia's borders.

"And so I will remind him that this is not a plot by anybody or any nation," Bush said. "This is just the inevitable course of humankind because all humans want to be free."

Bush said he would tell Baltic leaders that democracy must include respect for minority rights.

[Last modified May 7, 2005, 01:03:04]