Bush and Putin to hold four-hour summit in Bratislava

0 Comments | AFP, January, 2005

BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AFP) — US President George W. Bush and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin will meet for four hours during their summit next month in Slovakia, Slovak officials said here.

Slovak officials have proposed the summit be held in Bratislava Castle, set on a hill in the historic old centre of the Slovak capital but Washington and Moscow have to agree with the venue for the February 24 summit.

The castle is surrounded by protective high walls, and US and Russian experts are due to arrive in the city at the end of this week to discuss the venue.

Security is expected to be tight with about 5,500 police officers and 400 fire officers to be deployed for the visit.

Bush, accompanied by First Lady Laura Bush, will arrive on February 23...