Meanwhile tensions remain high between President Bush and Russian President Vladimir Putin over the Bush administration’s plan to station a missile defense system in the Czech Republic and Poland. On Tuesday China joined Russia in denouncing the system. China warned it could result in a new arms race. President Bush visited the Czech Republic on Tuesday and defended his plans.

• President Bush: “My attitude on missile defense — and this is not just my attitude, this is the truth — is that this is a purely defensive measure, not aimed at Russia but at true threats. And therefore, as the president mentioned, I look forward to having conversations with president Putin, not only at the G8 but up in the United States when he comes over, and my message will be: Vladimir, you know, I call him Vladimir, you shouldn’t fear our defense system.”