Bush rolls out red carpet for Yushchenko

US President George W. Bush pledged Monday to help Ukraine battle corruption and join Nato and the World Trade Organisation as he rolled out the red carpet for Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko. The US president downplayed Yushchenko's move to pull out the last of Ukraine's 1,600-strong force in Iraq by later this year, which comes as other nations that backed the March 2003 invasion have also brought troops home.
"He campaigned on the idea of bringing some troops out. He's fulfilling a campaign pledge. I fully understand that," Bush said, adding that there was no doubt that the United States will fill any gaps left by such withdrawals.
"The fundamental question is: Is it worth it? And the answer is, absolutely it's worth it for a free Iraq to emerge," he said. "We're going to continue to press forward with a strategy that supports the elected government of Iraq."
Bush, who frequently cites the pro-western "Orange Revolution" that swept Yushchenko to power, promised US help as Ukraine fights corruption, promotes free-market reforms and seeks acceptance in international organisations.
"Our nation will stand by Ukraine as strengthens law enforcement, as it fights corruption, as it promotes a free media and civil society organisations," said the US president.
"It is very important, Mr President, to feel that we have partners standing by, that we're not left in solitude," Yushchenko said through an interpreter. "For Ukraine, it was a very long road to the Oval Office."
Bush asked the US Congress for 60 million dollars for that purpose, and said Washington would seek an end to Soviet-era US trade restrictions while helping Kiev enact the reforms necessary to join the WTO and Nato.
"It is not a given. In other words, there are things that the Ukrainian government must do in order to satisfy the requirements to be considered for Nato, and we want to help," said the US president.
Ukraine wants to join the WTO by the end of the year, but Washington is insisting that Kiev provides additional guarantees for protection of intellectual property before it gives its backing. During a joint public appearance in the White House's ornate East Room, Bush said he and Yushchenko "share a goal to spread freedom to other nations," citing Lebanon and Kyrgyzstan.