U.S. President George Bush put his watch in a pocket for safe-keeping during his visit to Albania, his spokesman said, explaining that there is no mystery.

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Rumors had spread that someone stole the president's watch when an enthusiastic crowd of Albanians surrounded him. Back in Washington, White House press secretary Tony Snow was asked directly if the president had been a crime victim, CNN reported.

"The president put it (his watch) in his pocket and it returned safely home," Snow said.

Bush, the first U.S. president to visit Albania, appears to be far more popular there than he is at home. Snow said that the president's staff and security deal were not worried that the Bush was in danger Sunday as people he encountered reached out to touch him and shake his hand.

"What you had was an example of when captive nations come free," Snow said. "They understand the role the United States has played through the decades, taking unpopular moves."