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.
Hi Rob.
Top 5. :)
Tonight on Iron Chef America 9pm Pac.
8pm Central the President's Exec. Chef is competing against the Iron Chef.
Food Network.
I am listening to F N as I FReep right now.
Have heard this announcement multiple times in the last few days!
Tune in to see the outcome folks!
Hi, txrangerette. :)
Waving back at ya, apples. :)
Mystery won by minutes, not seconds, so how do you figure I get a toaster??
I agree with that comment there does seem to be some sort of chemistry between the 2 of them.
Hi snugs. You're welcome, as always. I see GWB and Tony Blair pretty much got the statement they wanted from the G8 re the Middle East crisis. Koizumi, Harper and the new German Chancellor probably helped swing the day.
In the group photos, Putin was on one side of GWB and Koizumi on the other. I think there are subtle clues in most of these photos.
Oh MAK got in before the ping!
You were sssoooo close!
Congrats MAK!
The North Koreans to me look to have much flatter faces than the Southern Koreans that I know.
...this is a keeper
LOL! I always get a chuckle when GWB insist on driving and the agents get the back seat. ;-)
You're most welcome. :)
I really like this photo....thanks for the post
"Mystery won by minutes, not seconds, so how do you figure I get a toaster??"
Honest mistake exsqeeze me!
Didn't see her up above you within all the text.
Thanks. If possible, I like to try to give Dose readers something deeper than what's on the surface.
Putin's wife and Laura Bush have very similar shoes.
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