Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Obamas in Italy


US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama stand alongside Italian President Giorgio Napolitano and First Lady Clio

President Barack Obama joined fellow world leaders in Italy Wednesday for talks on threats to global security and stability at a summit where climate change, a continuing global economic crisis, nuclear proliferation and world hunger took top billing.

The G-8 meetings may lack the intrigue of Obama's sit-downs earlier in the week with Russia's top leaders, or the emotion of the reception the first black American president surely will get in Ghana Saturday. But they won't lack for ambition, on the surface at least, as the world's most powerful officials discuss the problems threatening the planet.

Obama and the leaders of seven other industrialized nations had meetings set in the picturesque town of L'Aquila, northeast of Rome, before they were to widen their circle to include fast-growing countries like China and India, and struggling nations from Africa. In large and small groups, the talks will involve trade, Iran's nuclear ambitions, food security and other issues.

Obama, accompanied by his wife Michelle, went immediately into a meeting Wednesday morning with Italian President Giorgio Napolitano after arriving at the stately Quirinale Palace in Rome, meeting his host in a spectacular setting that included a large room with a soaring ceiling, gilded walls and doors and huge chandaliers. read more here....


U.S. President Barack Obama is greeted by Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi during arrival for a working lunch session of G8 leaders at the G8 summit in L'Aquila, Italy

Obamas arrival in Italy



President Obama's expectation at G8 Meetings



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