ZAGREB, Croatia, April 05, SPA -- U.S. President George W. Bush says NATO membership is open to all countries in Eastern Europe. Speaking in Croatia, which was invited to join NATO thisWeek, Bush told a large crowd gathered in an outdoor squarethat alliance membership offers the countries of the regionlasting protection from outside threats to their freedom. The speech Saturday came just hours before Bush travels toRussia for his final official meeting with outgoingPresident Vladimir Putin, the Associated Press reported.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/543142