Bush has become the first

US leader to visit Albania,

where he enjoyed a hero's welcome

The Balkan country is a subservient ally

in America's "war on terror"

Bush met Albanian soldiers who have

served in Iraq and Afghanistan

"Why can't the rest of the world appreciate me

the way these Albanians do," he was heard to mutter

ALBANIA - KEY FACTS

Predominantly Muslim nation of 3.2m in western Balkans

Monarchy ruled by King Zog until Italian invasion in 1939

Became secretive Stalinist state under Enver Hoxha after WWII

Capitalist reforms follow 1992 elections

Finally a country ready to welcome Bush - without reservation

US and Albanian flags line the route from the airport to Tirana centre along with huge banners - rather ambitiously - declaring "President Bush in Albania, Making History", and "Proud To Be Partners".

I'd be happy if he just made a bit of news. They've even renamed the road in front of the parliament "George Bush Street" and the post office has issued new stamps in his honour.

How on earth can this tiny country consider themselves "European"? Don't they know they're meant to be protesting not handing out bouquets?

President Bush has just received Albania's highest award "The Order of the National Flag". To Albania's Prime Minister I give the "Order of the Toady".

Professor Doctor Sali Berisha - as he wants to be known - told reporters that Mr Bush was the "...greatest and most distinguished guest we have ever had in all times".

Not sure whether the US president's beaming smile showed that he was enjoying basking in the glory - or secretly squirming inside.

No doubt this is an important visit for this tiny Balkan country. But really! Aren't they more proud of Mother Theresa?

It always seems a tad unseemly to offer such unquestioning praise - even if it's a pleasant change from listening to more Bush bashing.

And why for example - if America's so loved and such a wonderful friend - did the president's Secret Service ask the Albanian military guard - who lined the road out of the airport - to surrender their weapons?

And why did the Albanians agree to such a ridiculous request? They all looked a bit silly with their hands behind their backs in army fatigues.

It can only mean that someone out there in Albania actually doesn't like Mr Bush. But today I don't think we'll find him!

Bush greeted as hero in Albania

Bush has become the first US leader to visit Albania, where he enjoyed a hero's welcome.

The Balkan country is a staunch ally in America's "war on terror" and Mr Bush met Albanian soldiers who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Mr Bush reiterated his support for the UN's plan for Kosovo's independence, adding it was time to "get moving" despite opposition from Russia.

He expressed concern at the effects on Kosovans of expectations not being met.

"The question is whether there's going to be endless dialogue on a subject that we've already made up our mind on," he said, after meeting with Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha.

"We need to get moving and the end result is independence," he added.

He also called on the Albanian government to help maintain calm and peace in Kosovo, most of whose people are ethnic Albanians.

The G8 failed to reach consensus on Kosovo this week, with strong opposition from Russia to the independence blueprint laid out by UN Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari in April.

Stamps issued

Mr Bush's week-long European tour has already taken him to the G8 summit in Germany, as well as the Czech Republic, Poland and Italy.

The Albanian capital, Tirana, celebrated Mr Bush's visit, although he spent just seven hours in the city before flying to Bulgaria.

Tirana's streets had been cleaned, US flags were draped over buildings and a commemorative set of stamps had been issued for the occasion.

This welcome was in stark contrast to the protests that have followed Mr Bush elsewhere in Europe, says a BBC correspondent travelling with the president.

'Freedom agenda' [code for neoliberal policies]

Albanian government spokesman Grid Roy said he hoped the visit would help the country's push to become a member of Nato and the European Union.

"Ninety-four percent of Albanians support integration [into Nato and the EU], so that's the primary goal of this government," Mr Roy said. "This visit only makes that easier."

Mr Bush also met the prime ministers of Croatia and Macedonia during his stay in Tirana.

He wanted to show solidarity with Europe's newest democracies, our correspondent says.

These countries offer some hope for Mr Bush's freedom agenda even if Iraq, at the moment, does not, our correspondent says.

Albania backs the US-led invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan. It has tripled its troop numbers in Afghanistan to 140, and has about 120 troops in Iraq.