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Bush to offer highest civilian award to his foreign allies

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-01-06 10:23

WASHINGTON -- US President George W. Bush will offer the highest civilian award to three foreign leaders for their steady support in the US-led war against terrorism, the White House said on Monday.

US President George W. Bush speaks from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington about the situation in Gaza January 5, 2009. [Agencies]

The Presidential Medal of Freedom will be awarded to Colombian President Alvaro Uribe and former Prime Ministers Tony Blair of the United Kingdom and John Howard of Australia on January 13, said Bush's spokeswoman Dana Perino.

The Medal of Freedom, established by Harry S. Truman in 1945 to honor service during World War II, was revived by John F. Kennedy to honor those who have made "an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, culture, or other significant public or private endeavors."

"The president is honoring these leaders for their work to improve the lives of their citizens and for their efforts to promote democracy, human rights and peace abroad," said Perino.

"All three leaders have been staunch allies of the United States, particularly in combating terrorism. And their efforts to bring hope and freedom to people around the globe have made their nations, America and the world community a safer and more secure world," she added.

Blair and Howard, both of whom supported the Iraqi War launched in 2003 by the Bush administration, were seen as the most loyal partners of the US president on the international political stage. Uribe is among few pro-Washington leaders in the Latin America.

Bush will bid farewell to the White House on January 20. Prior to the three leaders mentioned above, the president has awarded 78 medals during his eight-year tenure.