Bush: NATO must boost troops for Afghanistan

BUCHAREST, Romania -U.S. President George W. Bush called on NATO members Wednesday to send more troops to Afghanistan.
Citing a recent recording from al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden that threatens attacks on Europe, Bush said the war in Afghanistan must be won. The United States, France and Romania are among countries that are adding troops to the NATO-led coalition there.

"We ask other NATO nations to step forward with additional forces as well," Bush said. "If we do not defeat the terrorists in Afghanistan, we will face them on our own soil."

He also called for the admission of Ukraine and Georgia into the alliance, and he renewed his commitment to a missile defense system in Europe.

Bush spoke ahead of a summit of NATO leaders in Bucharest.

The question of whether the Soviet republics of Ukraine and Georgia can start the process to become NATO members is controversial for the alliance.

Russia has expressed concerns about Ukraine and Georgia joining the alliance, which has already made members of former Soviet countries like Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. "My country's position is clear," Bush said. "NATO should welcome Georgia and Ukraine into the membership action plan and NATO membership must remain open to all of Europe's democracies that seek it and are ready to share in the responsibilities of NATO membership."

Another contentious issue at the summit is a missile defense system that the United States plans for eastern Europe. Bush cited a growing ballistic missile threat from the Middle East as a main reason for having the system in place.

Russia opposes the plans, concerned that the defensive shield could turn into an offensive operation. Bush said Moscow has no reason for worry.

"The missile defense capabilities we are developing are not designed to defend against Russia, just as the new NATO we are building is not designed to defend against Russia," Bush said.

"The cold war is over. Russia is not our enemy."

Bush plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Black Sea resort town of Sochi on Sunday. Putin also plans to attend the NATO summit in Bucharest this week.
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Poland and the Czech Republic have agreed to host parts of the system, but many others in Europe share Russian concerns and don't believe the system is needed to guard against an imminent threat from Iran or North Korea.

Europe is also dependent on Russia for at least 40 percent of its oil and is reluctant to upset the Kremlin.