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Bush gives longtime allies top US civilian honor

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-01-14 10:16

WASHINGTON -- US President George W. Bush on Tuesday gave the country's highest civilian award to three foreign leaders who have been among his most loyal partners on the world stage.

Bush awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Colombian President Alvaro Uribe and to two former leaders: former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and former Australian Prime Minister John Howard. The awards come just one week before Bush leaves office.

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair (L) receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom from US President George W. Bush during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington, January 13, 2009. The award is the highest civilian honour that is given in the United States. [Agencies]

"They are the sort of guys who look you in the eye, and tell you the truth and keep their word," Bush said during his final scheduled event in the White House's East Room.

The president himself clasped the medals around each man's neck after a military aide read citations in the leaders' honor.

Bush described the three men as "good friends" of the United States who maintained personal and public friendships even as public sentiment shifted.

"You'll always be welcomed in our country. And we hope to have you come down and visit us in Texas," said Bush, who plans to retire to Texas when President-elect Barack Obama takes office on Jan. 20. "As you probably have heard, we're changing addresses here in a little less than seven days."

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