Wednesday 25 May 2011

President Obama in UK: Talks under way with Cameron


David Cameron and Barack Obama The talks are expected to focus on Libya, Afghanistan and the global economy
Barack Obama is holding talks with David Cameron in Downing Street, with the conflicts in Afghanistan and Libya expected to feature prominently.
The US President will later make a key foreign policy speech to MPs and peers on the second day of his state visit.
The two leaders will also attend a barbecue hosted by their wives for families of military personnel involved in joint UK-US missions overseas.
On Tuesday, Mr Obama praised the solidarity the UK had shown the US.
The Nato operation in Libya and ongoing tensions in the Middle East and north Africa are expected to be high on the agenda at the bilateral talks - expected to last about 90 minutes.
Westminster speech Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, Foreign Secretary William Hague and US counterpart Hillary Clinton are also attending the meeting, where the state of the global economy, counter-terrorism and the conflict in Afghanistan are also likely to feature.
After the talks, President Obama and Mr Cameron are expected to hold a joint press conference and attend a barbecue in the garden of No 10 Downing Street before heading to Buckingham Palace for a private lunch.
Later in the day, Mr Obama will give a speech on US foreign policy at Westminster Hall - the oldest building within the Palace of Westminster - an honour usually reserved for British monarchs.
During what has been described as an "upbeat and optimistic" address, Mr Obama is expected to say that the US has no closer ally in the world than the UK.
The hall has seen speeches from a number of heads of state - most recently Pope Benedict XVI in 2010 - but Mr Obama will be the first US president to give an address there to both Houses of Parliament.

Analysis

The two speeches at Tuesday's state banquet were short, but direct.
President Obama went out of his way to praise Britain, calling it the birthplace of the rule of law and the rights of men and women. His particular emphasis was on "solidarity" in the relationship - the solidarity he said the UK had shown to America in the decade since 9/11.
Of course, he left room for America's other crucial alliances around the world, but the president stressed confidence in the British-American partnership confronting the challenges of the 21st Century together.
He went out of his way to praise his host, calling the Queen "a living witness to the power of our alliance and a chief source of its resilience".
The Queen was equally clear: "We are here to celebrate the tried, tested and - yes - special relationship between our two countries." She didn't mind using the old formula. Both sides clearly think it has a positive future.
'Looking to allies'
Mr Hague said there were "no fundamental differences" between the two countries on key foreign policy issues and President Obama's visit would bring "intensified co-operation" on different levels.
He insisted London was happy with the US contribution to military operations in Libya - despite reports to the contrary - stressing US aircraft had accounted for a quarter of missions and were also providing key logistical and intelligence support.
"We do not regard the US as taking a back seat (in Libya)," he told BBC Breakfast.
"They do look to their allies to do a great deal as well which France, the UK and other nations are doing but I don't think one can fault that," adding the talks would focus on "intensifying" pressure on the Gaddafi regime.
On Afghanistan, where both countries are looking to gradually reduce the number of troops there - Mr Hague said the allies were "both committed to the military and political efforts" to bring long-term stability.
School visit While the president gives his speech, his wife Michelle will travel to Oxford University where she will host an open day for pupils from the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School in north London.

BUCKINGHAM PALACE BANQUET MENU AND GUESTS

  • Sole with crayfish sauce
  • New Windsor lamb served with potato gratin, sauteed courgettes and radishes, green bean panache
  • Charlotte a la vanille with cherries and selected fruits
  • Guests included Hillary Clinton, Nick Clegg, William Hague, Ken Clarke, Ed Miliband, Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, Sir John Major, Richard Branson, Kevin Spacey, John Bercow and the Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams
The visit, Mrs Obama's second to the school, is designed to encourage them to apply for further education.
In the evening, the Obamas will give a dinner at the US ambassador's residence, Winfield House, for guests including the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.
On Thursday, Mr Obama and Mr Cameron will fly to France for the G8 summit of leading industrialised nations in Deauville.
At a banquet given in his honour by the Queen on Tuesday, President Obama thanked the UK for its solidarity since the 9/11 attacks 10 years ago and in tackling the security threats that have followed.
He also met Labour leader Ed Miliband at Buckingham Palace.
Shadow Foreign Secretary Douglas Alexander, who was also present at the meeting, said the two men had discussed the "common challenges" facing the two countries, stressing that President Obama was "deeply committed" to advancing the US-UK relationship.

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