Press Release

The meeting took place in a friendly atmosphere and dealt with the following current topics.

1. Kosovo and CR's standpoint to the publication of Ahtisaari's Report
The Prime Minister and the Assistant Secretary of State agreed that any further delays in the resolution of the final statute of the province after January's elections in Serbia would result in political and security destabilization of Kosovo.

2. The visa
The Prime Minister appreciated President George W. Bush's attitude to the visa policy issue outlined in the President's speech in Tallinn, Estonia.

3. Energy policy and security
Daniel Fried expressed special interest in these issues and their subsequent solutions in the light of the current situation. The discussion also touched the issue of location of the facility which is a part of the missile defence system. A final decision on this issue can be expected in several weeks. Furthermore, Daniel Fried much appreciated the Czech contribution to military and stabilization missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Both politicians expressed their satisfaction over the relations between both countries, which are very good in all areas.