BRATISLAVA, Slovakia - Prodded by President Bush to reaffirm his country's commitment to democracy, Russian President Vladimir Putin insisted his government was not backsliding.

Russia chose democracy 14 years ago, Putin said, and "there can be no return to what we used to have before."

In a joint news conference Thursday, Bush said he told Putin, "Strong countries are built by developing strong democracies."

Bush added, "I think Vladimir heard me loud and clear."

The two leaders talked for 2½ hours in hopes of easing mounting distrust between Moscow and Washington.

Bush challenged Putin about his government's behavior, saying democracies reflect a country's customs and culture but must have "a rule of law and protection of minorities, a free press and a viable political opposition." He said he talked with Putin about his "concerns about Russia's commitment in fulfilling these universal principles" and about Putin's restrictions on the press.

They also talked about differences over Moscow's arms sales to Syria and Russia's help with Iran's nuclear program. While Bush tried to keep a smile on his face throughout the session with reporters, Putin seemed tense.

It was their first meeting since Bush opened his second term promising to spread democracy and freedom and asserting that relations with all leaders would be predicated on how they treat their people.

Putin compared his move to end direct popular election of regional governors to the American process of electing presidents through the Electoral College rather than by the results of the popular vote. "And it's not considered undemocratic, is it?" Putin said.

He suggested that Russians who oppose his actions "are richer than those who are in favor."

"We often do not pay attention to that," Putin said.

Bush was challenged by a Russian journalist who asked about "violations of the rights of journalists in the United States" without giving specifics.

"People do get fired in the American press," Bush said, adding that they get fired by editors or producers or others - not by the government.

Another question from a Russian reporter prompted a broad defense from Bush on the way democracy is practiced in the United States. "I'm perfectly comfortable in telling you, our country is one that safeguards human rights and human dignity, and we resolve our disputes in a peaceful way," he said.

Bush and Putin said they were united on the desire to stop suspected nuclear weapons programs in North Korea and Iran.

"We agreed that Iran should not have a nuclear weapon. I appreciate Vladimir's understanding on that," Bush said. "We agreed that North Korea should not have a nuclear weapon."

"We share a common opinion in this regard and we are taking a similar approach: We should put an end to the proliferation of missiles and missile technology," Putin said.