Bush Plans Visa Waiver Push to Reward E. European Countries for Iraq Support

"US leaders said Tuesday they would try to expand the number of countries whose citizens can enter the US visa- free, addressing a major irritant in relations with the new democracies of eastern Europe. US President George W Bush unveiled the initiative during a trip to the Baltic nations of Estonia and Latvia, saying he would send US lawmakers a proposal to ease visa rules," DPA Germany reported. "Former communist countries of Europe have pressed the US to allow visa-free travel for their citizens as a reward for their support of the US-led invasion of Iraq. US relations with Poland, Czech Republic, the three Baltic nations and others have cooled in part because of the visa issue, but Washington says security must come first in the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks." Full text of Bush remarks.

The Unconfirmed Sources satire site posted a story in reaction discussing Bush's plan to ease travel restrictions for Elbonia. "'It's a way to make sure that nations like Elbonia qualify more quickly for the program, and put to good use this country's resources in the ongoing civil w... er... peacekeeping efforts in Iraq.' stated Bush."

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