Posted on 07/16/2006 2:08:25 PM PDT by Wolfstar
PRESIDENTIAL NEWS OF THE DAY: The President and First Lady are in Russia for the G8 summit, which will conclude tomorrow. In addition to attending the group sessions, President Bush held a series of bilateral meetings with key leaders, including British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and French President Jacques Chirac.
Significantly, the President also had a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao, which was characterized as "on the sidelines" of the G8 summit. (China is not a member of the G8.)
Here is a link to the White House transcript of their joint press conference held after their meeting.
Here is a link from the article in Kyodo News about bilateral U.S.-China summit.
Regarding the Middle East crisis, the G8 struggled to come to an agreement, but did issue a joint statement. Led by President Bush, who pointedly said that Israel has a right to defend herself, the statement by the G8 leaders said:
The recent crisis "results from efforts by extremist forces [Iran and Syria] to destabilise the region and to frustrate the aspirations of the Palestinian, Israeli and Lebanese people for democracy and peace."Hezbollah and Hamas, though not named, were ordered to "immediately halt their attacks" to avoid plunging Middle East into "chaos" and provoking a wider conflict.
Israel's right to defend itself was confirmed by the G8 leaders, but they asked Israel to be "mindful of the strategic and humanitarian consequences of its actions."
In other words, the G8 statement closely parallel's President Bush's position. British Prime Minister Tony Blair also said Israel has a right to defend herself, and he accused Iran and Syria of undermining efforts to build a lasting peace in the Middle East.
Here is a link to a transcript of the G8 leaders' complete statement.
THE WEEK AHEAD: Skimpy news today, primarily because the President's schedule has not been finalized for next week.
The President will campaign in Colorado for Republican congressional candidate Rick O'Donnell, who is seeking the seat of Rep. Bob Beauprez, who is running for governor. This open seat is the 7th Congressional District in suburban Denver.The White House would not confirm the President's plans for next week after he returns from Russia. Ken Lisaius, a White House spokesman, said GWB's schedule for next Wednesday is still to be announced, and he has no public events scheduled for Thursday. The schedule could change, he said.
However, NAACP leaders said yesterday that they were optimistic President Bush would attend the organization's 97th annual convention next week in Washington.
"I am hopeful that he has decided to attend," said Bruce S. Gordon, president and chief executive officer of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. "I cannot confirm that he will be there, but I'm optimistic."
Paul Brathwaite, the Congressional Black Caucus' communications director, who has spoken with leaders planning the meeting, said Bush is expected to speak at the conference Thursday.
I always love the scene in Ghostbusters when the 'haints' get in the lady's fox stole and it starts jumping up at her face.
The expression on Mrs. Bush's face in the arm and arm photo seems to say "Look at what I got!"
Anyone know why the Italian Prime Minister's wife isn't using his last name? Does she have a profession? I haven't found anything yet on the 'net.
Wonderful assortment of photos, Wolfie. Thank you for a most excellent Dose.
There's a video clip at (gasp) cnn.com today of the G8 leaders arriving at that building. I must've watched it ten times. (Are we allowed to post their stuff here?) It makes me look at their expressions in these stills much differently. You can hear their voices slightly, and their footsteps, almost like a CSpan clip.
I think when Bush arrived, Putin said "Cowboy!" and Bush laughs and says "Right!"
I love that green, more form-fitting outfit on Laura, with the pointed-toed shoes...so beautiful! The black one too. Thanks for the pics!
Grin...sure is. We have a life in the virtual world and one in the physical. The physical world is more demanding. Sigh.
I don't know, skr. Good question, but we must remember the Europeans like to consider themselves progressive. Blech!
You're very welcome, Gretchen. Glad you enjoyed the photos.
For someone who supposedly defies international cooperation, Dubya seemed to have little trouble working with the other summit members and getting them to see things his way.
I like the pictures of him with all those other world leaders. You all are right that the body language is telling. They just can't help but like him.
Notice how Koizumi's hand is lightly resting against Dubya's.
It's the main reason I selected that photo to include in today's Dose. The theme was "behind the curtain," so I tried to choose photos that gave us that glimpse in some way.
Once a cowboy, always a cowboy.
He sure was a cute little devil. Is it just me, or does he look a bit like Reagan in the one on the right?
Anyhow, time to turn in. Must work tomorrow.
Prayers for your son's safety as they train! I'm so glad you heard from him.
He's a cutie! But don't tell him I said that--tell him I said he's very handsome. :-)
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