Cheney backs 3 Balkan states for Western alliances

[icymist]

By Matt Spetalnick
2 hours, 29 minutes ago



DUBROVNIK (Reuters) - Vice President Dick Cheney lent U.S. support on Sunday to three Balkan nations seeking to join NATO and the European Union as he wrapped up a tour of ex-communist states dominated by his criticism of Russia.

Speaking at a summit of the Adriatic Charter group made up of Croatia, Albania and Macedonia, Cheney told leaders their countries' entry would help revitalize the democratic values of the two Western clubs.

He praised them for reforms to meet NATO and EU eligibility and said their involvement in U.S.-led military operations in Iraq or Afghanistan was also "a very important step."

"You who aspire to those organizations help rejuvenate it and help us re-dedicate ourselves to the basic and fundamental values of freedom and democracy," he said at the opening of the meeting in the picturesque Croatian port of Dubrovnik.

More here

[no_hypocrisy]

1. Hooray for "New Europe"! n/t

[BuyingThyme]

2. So, is he no longer pretending to be #2?

[henslee]

3. Dubrovnik (byline) is a gorgeous city...

[cantstandbush]

4. Trying to re-kindle Cold War. Why would anyone trust these states?

Many have nukes they are hiding from the USSR days and while the leaders may want to be US wanna-be's many of the people feel differently. And the organized crime among these states is endemic.

[Igel]

5. I'm not sure Macedonia could afford it.

Otherwise, great.

[cliss]

6. With Dick Cheney,

it's all oil, all the time.

Like he gives a crap about 'democracy'. He's over there, signing back-room deals with these countries to double-cross Russia.

It's a good think you're old, Dick.

[msongs]

7. western alliance against RUSSIA is what he is saying

no wonder the russians are suspicious. maybe the dick should invite the russians to join as well.


Msongs
www.msongs.com

[DrDebug]

8. Get your NATO membership right here

I promise to help in the quamires of Afghanistan, Iraq and I'll support the (nukular) attack on Iran


.....
(sign here)

[Rex]

9. Young nations with 'emerging democracies'. Perfect for Darth Cheney

to fuck up beyond all recognition. Cheney's motto?

'Rape, pillage and plunder'