Bush in Romania

US President George W Bush is expected to push for NATO’s eastern expansion during a key summit in Romania.

Mr. Bush is expected to tell the alliance's biggest-ever gathering that NATO membership must be open to any European democracy that seeks it. Russia's President Vladimir Putin is expected to voice concern over its eastward expansion - Russia has warned of a crisis if Ukraine tries to join.

NATO’s role in Afghanistan will also be on the agenda at the two-day summit. Mr. Bush arrived in the Romanian capital, Bucharest, late on Tuesday. He has said he will press the 26-member NATO alliance to support Membership Action Plans for both Ukraine and Georgia.

The US president, who will meet Mr. Putin for talks on Sunday, said he had been assured by other NATO members that Russia would not have a veto on Kiev's possible admission.

A lot expect this to be the final failure of the Bush administration!