tremendous opportunity to achieve real security and lasting democracy and true reconciliation in the Balkans.

They will talk about issues concerning the continued march of democracy in Europe and also in Russia,

in the best tradition of democracy.

People have the right to protest - that's what democracy is all about. I have no problem with people exercising their democratic rights.

Our work has only begun. In our time we have an historic opportunity to shape a global balance of power that favors freedom and that will therefore deepen and extend the peace. And I use the word power broadly, because even more important than military and indeed economic power is the power of ideas, the power of compassion, and the power of hope.

The people of the Middle East share the desire for freedom. We have an opportunity - and an obligation - to help them turn this desire into reality.