World leaders spar over Mideast violence

[rodeodance]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060715/ap_on_re_eu/g8_summit;_ylt=Aqcmqvm3NPyedslVmhCjXUes0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA3OTB1amhuBHNlYwNtdHM-

World leaders spar over Mideast violence

By JEANNINE AVERSA, AP Economics Writer 8 minutes ago

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia - Leaders of the world's industrial powers clashed Saturday over the escalating violence in the Middle East even as the summit host, Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged, "We will find common ground on this."

The leaders opened the summit — the first in Russia — with a dinner at the opulent 18th century Peterhof Palace, which was extensively damaged during World War II and then painstakingly rebuilt. Formal talks were to begin Sunday at a second palace that doubles as Putin's residence while he is in St. Petersburg.

Putin had wanted this year's Group of Eight summit to focus on bolstering energy supplies, boosting education and fighting infectious diseases. But the military conflict between Israel and Lebanon is dominating the discussions. Iran's and North Korea's nuclear ambitions also are likely to overtake the agenda.

"We've got a lot to work on," President Bush acknowledged.

Putin demonstrated he was prepared to put in long hours, holding a midnight news conference after attending the summit's opening dinner. And to applause from journalists, Putin said he would make himself available again Sunday night to keep the world informed of the deliberations.

[montanacowboy]

1. But...Chimpy goes to bed at 9:00

he will be long asleep by midnight with his teddy bear

[soothsayer]

2. The teddy bear with a bottle of jack daniels in it? n/t

[EST]

5. Nah, the one with Ms. Rice's picture taped on it.

(AND the jack black)

[VegasWolf]

3. Bush to Putin, "Whacha' workin' on? Can I play too?" nt

[EST]

4. Mebbe Chimp chump will duck out early and then surprise

everyone by taking a ten hour flight to appear in New Orleans!

[pinto]

6. Good overview from AP. Underscores the seriousness of the

situation. Interesting how Putin is obviously attempting a leadership role here - as host and as broker. (There are other reports that his government is sending an envoy to the Middle East on a diplomatic mission).

[Kagemusha]

7. Putin making a show of putting in Clintonian hours.

AP wouldn't dare call it that of course.