President Bush Holds Joint Press Conference with Albanian Prime Minister

Talks Focused on Albanian NATO Membership and Independence for Kosovo

According to a press release on the White House's website, President Bush and Albanian Prime Minister Berisha held a joint press conference Sunday. The conference focused on many issues. The main subjects discussed at the conference were: Albania's aspirations for NATO membership, Albanian support for the U.S. war on terror, improvements Albanians have accomplished, and independence for Kosovo.

U.S. President George W. Bush received a warm welcome when he arrived in Albania. Unlike the frosty response he received when touring other European countries Bush was greeted with hugs, handshakes, and shouts of affection from Albanians. Albania is currently working hard to establish and strengthen democracy, and most Albanians appear to idolize the United States and its leaders because of the countrie's democratic government. The United States has also been a great source of support for Albania in the past.

Prime Minister Berisha spoke of Albania's desire to join NATO. President Bush opined that he felt Albania's desire was entirely possible, provided Albania continued to make progress on issues such as defense and reforms. Albania has accomplished much in the way of reforms. Once the only official atheist state is has become a model of religious tolerance. Its economy is also improving due to decreased corruption and embracing of free markets.

According to the White House's press release President Bush made the following comments regarding Albania's desired NATO membership: "And so I talked to the Prime Minister, first of all, about my deep desire for Albania to join NATO. I support it. I also told him that there needs to be additional political and military reforms, progress against organized crime and corruption. And he understands that. He said, we're committed. That's what the Prime Minister said -- Albania is committed to meeting those standards. And I said, we're committed to help you."