Washington ? In an unusual rebuke of an ally, President Bush said Wednesday he was concerned that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s moves to centralize power could undermine democracy.

Putin’s announcement on Monday that he would seek further control over regional governments and the legislative branch has been widely interpreted as an attempt to use fear of terrorism as a justification for imposing tyranny. Bush’s silence for two days led to widespread questions about his commitment to promoting freedom in all parts of the world.

Bush, in remarks at an East Room concert and reception honoring Hispanic Heritage Month, said he was “concerned about the decisions that are being made in Russia that could undermine democracy in Russia.”

“Great countries, great democracies have a balance of power between central government and local governments, a balance of power within central governments between the executive branch and the legislative branch and the judicial branch,” he said. “As governments fight the enemies of democracy, they must uphold the principles of democracy.”