Bush receives hero's welcome in Albania
TIRANA, Albania --President Bush, enthusiastically welcomed as the first U.S. president in this former communist nation, served notice Sunday he is running out of patience with Russia's objections to independence for neighboring Kosovo.
Nearing the end of an eight-day trip, Bush got a hero's reception in this desperately poor country, still struggling to recover from being cut off from the rest of the world for four decades under the harsh rule of dictator Enver Hoxha. Hoxha died in 1985, and Albania emerged from isolation in 1990 but still is one of Europe's most impoverished lands.
Cannons boomed salutes from mountains overlooking the capital. Huge banners proclaimed "Proud to be Partners," and billboards read "President Bush in Albania Making History."
At home, Bush's job approval rating stands at its all-time low. But here, Prime Minister Sali Berisha said Bush was Albania's "greatest and most distinguished guest we have ever had in all times."
Throngs of people grasped Bush's hands, arms and fingers on the streets of Fushe Kruje, a small town near the airport where he stopped to chat in a cafe with business owners. Unused to such adoring crowds in America, Bush reveled in the attention. He kissed women on the cheek, posed for pictures and signed autographs. Someone reached out and rubbed his gray hair.
"Bushie, Bushie," people shouted. Some of the business people have received small loans under U.S. government programs.
The scene was uncharacteristically wild for a presidential crowd. Bush spokesman Dana Perino said later that the Secret Service assured Bush's safety, as always. "If they didn't think the president was safe, obviously they wouldn't have put him in that position," she said.
2 comments:
Yes, Albania does count as a Country !! I don't know if the fact that Albania was created far far longer than USA and that it has a far far older tradition and culture than USA does count(because most of the countries of the world does it comparing to USA), but yes, once again Albania is an ancient and democratic country.
Yes, once more, Albania has welcome G.W.Bush as an Hero, because G.W.Bush has done a lot for Albania.
The one who has blogged, can't know what Im talking about, but that's life, crucial and real.
Best regards, Ben
Hey Ben; thanks for the Post, it's always rewarding when people respond. As with most things on this Blog, this was meant to be for jest and not as an insult. I realize that Albania has a rich history and have a deep respect for it's people. Again, thanks for your comment.
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