Bush brings "broad agenda" to G8
Thursday, 07 Jun 2007 08:51
Tony Blair thinks George Bush will agree to cut emissions
US president George Bush has signalled his intent to work on a "broad agenda" in discussions at the G8 summit in Germany.
Principally among the president's agenda is climate change, which Mr Bush argued was something his administration had a "good record" on.
"Greenhouse gases declined last year in the US, despite the fact that our economy grew. We're taking steps necessary to be good stewards of the environment," he said.
"By the end of 2008, the world's emitters of greenhouse gases should sit together and set an international goal.
"Nothing's going to happen in terms of substantial reductions unless China and India participate. And so it is our role to serve as a bridge."
The president was quick to add that as the world leaders discuss climate change, "it's really important we don't forget those who are dying", in reference to the fight against global Aids and the crisis in Darfur.
And Mr Bush said he was "frustrated that the international organisations can't move quickly enough" on Darfur.
"Enough is enough," he concluded.
Reporters also questioned the president on Russia and the ongoing row between the two countries over the US missile defence system.
"I'm looking forward to my meeting with Vladimir Putin," Mr Bush said. "A missile defence system cannot stop multiple launch regimes.
"The facts are you cannot stop two, three, four, five missiles. Therefore I will explain once again that a missile defence system is aimed at a rogue regime that may try to hold Russia, Europe and the US hostage.
"It is important for Russia and Russians to understand I believe the cold war ended. Russia is not an enemy of the US."
Mr Bush and Mr Putin will meet today for talks about the issue and the rest of the world leaders are likely to be thrashing out a climate-change agreement aimed at pledging significant cuts in carbon emissions.