Albanians Love America So Much They Name Their Kids After American Presidents

"After Albania emerged from decades of communist isolation in 1990, it became fashionable for families to name their children "Bill," "George" and even "Hilary" to show appreciation to the U.S. Now, Albania is seeking membership in NATO and the European Union and wants to be friends with Washington."

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Chicago Sun Times

TIRANA, Albania -- President Bush is unpopular at home, but he's a hero in this desperately poor, former communist country.He was welcomed like a rock star Sunday in one of the most enthusiastic receptions he's seen in years.

Throngs of people grasped Bush's arms on the streets of Fushe Kruje, a small town where he stopped to chat in a cafe with business owners.

Unused to such adoring crowds in America, Bush reveled in the attention.
He kissed women on the cheek, posed for pictures and signed autographs. Someone rubbed his gray hair.

The excitement provided the kind of television pictures that White House officials have longed for.

"Bushie, Bushie," people shouted.The crowd, several deep on the sidewalk, stretched for several blocks. Some of the business people have received small loans under U.S. government programs.
After Albania emerged from decades of communist isolation in 1990, it became fashionable for families to name their children "Bill," "George" and even "Hilary" to show appreciation to the U.S. Now, Albania is seeking membership in NATO and the European Union and wants to be friends with Washington.

Prime Minister Sali Berisha said Bush was "the greatest and most distinguished guest we have ever had in all times."

Bush told Albania what it wanted to hear: independence for neighboring Kosovo is certain. "That's what's important to know," the president said. It's an important issue here because 90 percent of the population of Kosovo is ethnic Albanian.