Bush sets record for costs of state visit

The June visit to the Czech Republic by U.S. president Bush cost the Czech army and police forces nearly CZK 30 million, or USD 1.5 million, the Czech Television has said, making it the most expensive official visit ever. Most of the amount, about 20 million, was spent on flights by four Czech military aircraft in the sky over Prague, while the rest was used to guarantee Mr Bush's security on the ground. A defence ministry spokesperson said that money was paid by the ministry's training budget, and would have been spent anyway.