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'd say Mrs. Putin's outfit is a bit dowdy.
Wow those last 2 photos are very colourful.
Actually I quite like it maybe I have bad tastes
She might well have been -- I could easily make an off-colour remark here regarding what she might have been telling Tony about Chirac. Snicker...
Nice photos .. thanks. Nice to see Nick is on duty .. in the cart's back seat. We LOVE him.
Really......maybe it's just me....
LOL!
You're welcome. That's such a cute ani.
Is this the one you want on your toaster?
That's interesting. I'll have to set my DVR to record it.
That was just my way of getting you to look closer to the beginning at Mystery's unassailable position. Not suggesting you don't know how the game is played. Apologies if I sounded critical.
I like the arm in arm stroll close up shot
of The Mr. & Mrs. in Russia.
"Mrs. Putin"
It also looks like she and Mrs. Bush get along well.
I like the gypsy type skirts and if she had a brighter top on I think would look very nice.
Interesting indeed.
Could it be that, at long last, the rest of the world's leaders are just sick and tired of the Islamofacists? I sure hope so.
Is this the one you want on your toaster?
Yes, ma'am...
Yes, they look so good in that photo, and so relaxed.
LOL! No worries but your explaination
was a welcome thing Thanks...
Yes, I must remember
that there are those who make it
in before the ping!
:)
Me too, Maj. On the other hand think how wistfully we'll look back at these after they get divorced...(ha ha ha...sarcasm aimed at the tabloids!)
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.