Bush Pays Homage to Hungary's Revolt Against Communist Rule

BUDAPEST, Hungary June 22, 2006 — -- President Bush came to Hungary's capital city, Budapest, today to mark the 50th anniversary of the Hungarian revolution against communist rule.

He is expected to also thank the government for what the White House has called "important contributions in support of democracy and security in the Balkans, Afghanistan and Iraq."

During a ceremony, Bush will lay a wreath at the 1956 Eternal Flame memorial monument at the Parliament building and deliver remarks on freedom and democracy.

The president has been meeting with political leaders here today, including President Laszlo Solyom and Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany, and the leaders of the five political parties.

Freedom and Democracy

At 10:30 a.m. ET, Bush is expected to deliver remarks in an outdoor courtyard at Buda Castle, at Gellert Hill overlooking the Danube River.

Bush will note Hungary's progress toward democracy and point out the country as a role model for other emerging democracies in the region.

Speaking with reporters on Air Force One Wednesday, Press Secretary Tony Snow dampened expectations for any headlines and said it would not be a "newsy" speech.

Snow called it a "tone poem" that would pay tribute to what the Hungarians had endured over the last half century and their "courage, desire, and thirst for freedom."

It will not be a heavy policy speech -- do not expect any specific references to North Korea, Iran, or the forthcoming G-8 summit in Russia.

Bush is likely to compare the transition to democracy in Iraq today to the challenges the Hungarians faced in establishing their own democracy.