Bush honors NATO chief with Medal of Freedom
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NATO Secretary-General Lord Robertson, left, receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Bush on Wednesday.
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WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Bush honored NATO Secretary-General Lord George Robertson on Wednesday with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States.
NATO secretary-general since 1999, Lord Robertson is currently on a farewell tour of the United States and is set to be replaced by Dutch Foreign Minister Jaap de Hoop Scheffer on New Year's Day.
"America owes a special debt to Lord Robertson," Bush said during a White House award ceremony.
"Lord Robertson oversaw the largest expansion in NATO's history, a major milestone in fulfillment of our shared vision of a Europe whole, free and at peace," Bush said.
During a private meeting, the two leaders were expected to discuss NATO counterterrorism operations in the Mediterranean, peacekeeping missions in Afghanistan, Bosnia, Kosovo and an operation in support of Polish soldiers serving in Iraq, according to a White House statement.
Bush mentioned Iraq during the award ceremony -- specifically commenting on Wednesday's deadly bombing of an Italian military police headquarters there in which 24 people died.
"Today in Iraq, a member of NATO, Italy, lost some proud sons in the service of freedom and peace," Bush said. "The United States sends our deepest condolences to the families of the soldiers and policemen who died. We appreciate their sacrifices."
Previous Medal of Freedom recipients this year include actor Charlton Heston, former Czech President Vaclav Havel, scientist Edward Teller and TV chef Julia Child.
