Bush to remind Putin of Soviet occupation of Baltics

US President George Bush said he will remind Russian President Vladimir Putin about the Soviet occupation of the Baltics when they meet in Moscow for the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe.

In excerpts of an interview to be broadcast today, Bush told Lithuanian state television he will stress to the Russian leader the end of the war did not bring freedom for Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

“Yes, of course I’ll remind him of that,” Bush said, adding he told Putin during their last meeting in Slovakia the end of the Second World War was not a day of celebration for the Baltics.

The US president is to visit Latvia on Friday ahead of his trip to Moscow. He will meet with his Baltic counterparts, two of whom have declined invitations to the Moscow celebrations because of Russia's unwillingness to denounce the Soviet annexation of their countries.

Bush said he understood Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus’ decision to not attend the celebrations and added he hopes Russia will maintain good relations with its Baltic neighbours.

“It really is in Russia’s interests to have free countries and democracies on her border,” Bush said.

Russia has accused the Baltics of souring the May 9 celebrations by demanding Moscow admit the three nations were forced to join the Soviet Union in 1940.

Lithuanian state television said Bush also praised Lithuania for its support in bringing Ukraine on a path to democracy and said he expects the Baltic country to help ensure free elections in neighbouring Belarus.

Bush spoke to television networks from the three Baltic countries on Wednesday in Washington.

The full interviews were scheduled to be aired later today.