Speaking from Freedom Square where the demonstrations that launched the 'Rose Revolution' took place 18 months ago, President Bush heaped praise on the Georgian people in their quest for democracy and freedom. It is estimated that more than 150,000 people came to see Bush make the first ever visit by a U.S. president to the former Soviet republic and they cheered his every word.

Bush called the Georgian people an example for all the world and reiterated the need to spread democracy to the Middle East. 'We are living in historic times when freedom is advancing, from the Black Sea to the Caspian, and to the Persian Gulf and beyond,' Mr. Bush said. 'As you watch free people gathering in squares like this across the world, waving their nations' flags and demanding their God-given rights, you can take pride in this fact: They have been inspired by your example and they take hope in your success.'

Bush did make a critical statement about Russian President Vladimir Putin when he said that Georgia's sovereignty 'must be respected by all nations.' There is an ongoing dispute between Russia and Georgia over former Soviet military bases which the Russians still control and run inside Georgia. Bush told Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili that he had discussed the matter with Putin when the two met earlier in Bush's trip and that he believes the issues can be resolved.

Bush indicated that Putin said there was already an agreement concerning the bases. 'He (Putin) reminded me that there is an agreement in place - a 1999 agreement,' Mr. Bush said. 'He said that the Russians want to work with the government to fulfill their obligations in terms of that agreement. I think that's a commitment that's important for the people of Georgia to hear. It shows there's grounds to work to get this issue resolved.'