Spanningen tussen Bush en Poetin inzake Russische democratie (en)

President Vladimir Putin has strongly defended Russian democracy after US President George W. Bush questioned the rule of law and press freedom in the country.

"We are not going to invent a special Russian democracy. We are committed to the fundamental principles of democracy", said Mr Putin following a two and half hour bilateral meeting with Mr Bush in the Slovak capital, Bratislava.

"But all the institutions of democracy must be compatible with the condition of Russia and its history", added the Russian President.

For his part, Mr Bush said, "Democracies always reflect a country's culture and customs and I know that".

"But they have certain things in common. They have rule of law, and protection of minorities, a free press and a viable political opposition", he said.

Responding to Mr Bush's comments that he had expressed concern about Russia's democracy in a "constructive way", Mr Putin said, "I believe that some of his ideas could be taken into account in my work, and I will pay due attention to them, that's for sure. Some other ideas, I will not comment on".

Despite this tart exchange, both leaders said they would work together to fight terror, prevent nuclear proliferation and bring peace to the Middle East.

The US also gave its formal support for Russian entry in the World Trade Organisation.

The charged press conference was in stark contrast to the enthusiasm with which Slovak citizens greeted Mr Bush's speech in Bratislava's main Hviezdoslavovo Square some hours earlier.