Bush, Putin agree on Iran, differ on democracy

But Bush —— who had set the tone for the meeting by predicting a march of democracy across Russia’s ex-Soviet backyard —— said strong countries needed to be democratic.

‘‘Democracies have certain things in common —— a rule of law and protection of minorities and a free press and a viable political opposition,’’ he told a joint news conference.‘‘I was able to share my concerns about Russia’s commitment in fulfilling these universal principles. I did so in a constructive and friendly way.’’

The meeting comes amid growing concern in the West that Putin is backsliding on democracy, with critics saying his tough policies towards opponents have curbed true democracy. Putin said Western fears were unfounded.‘‘Russia has made its choice in favour of democracy,’’ he said. ‘‘Any return to totalitarianism … would be impossible.’’

Giving Bush fresh ammunition, the European Court of Human Rights ruled Russia committed serious abuses, including torture and killing of civilians, on military offensives in Chechnya.

The leaders have warm personal ties and put a brave face on differences as they stood side by side at Bratislava Castle, the final stage of Bush’s fence-mending trip to Europe.

Addressing 4,000 people in a central square in snow-bound Bratislava earlier, Bush praised democratic change that swept ex-communist Eastern Europe over a decade ago and was now spreading to ex-Soviet republics.Bush said elections in Moldova could aid democracy in the ex-Soviet Union and even isolated Belarus would one day fall into the democratic fold.

US and Russian officials announced deals on safeguarding nuclear materials and increasing nuclear security cooperation, as well as on limiting the spread of shoulder-fired missiles. —Reuters