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Bush hails G-8 work on climate change(AP Online Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) TOYAKO, Japan_President Bush has claimed significant progress in efforts by leading industrialized nations to achieve a consensus on combating global warming. Speaking at the conclusion of the G-8 summit in Japan, Bush told reporters that "all major economies must be at the table, and that's what we had here today." Bush also said that at the meeting, U.S. officials made clear that they support ambitious plans to "enable the world to successfully address climate change." Earlier, he told Chinese President Hu Jintao (hoo jin-tow) that he is looking forward to attending the Beijing Olympics, and Hu thanked the president for not politicizing the summer competition. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below. TOYAKO, Japan (AP) _ President Bush made clear Wednesday that he intends to enjoy himself at the Beijing Olympics next month. In a private meeting, Bush told Chinese President Hu Jintao that he was looking forward to attending the games. The president had already said at the Group of Eight economic meeting in Japan that he believes boycotting the opening ceremony of the games would be an affront to the Chinese people. China's role as host has focused attention on its human rights record and its security crackdown in Tibet. Bush said he planned to attend not only with first lady Laura Bush but his parents, too. Bush said he was "hoping to get tickets to the U.S.-China basketball game." Hu said he appreciated that Bush had not politicized the Olympics. The two leaders also spoke about Taiwan, economic cooperation and trade, North Korea and Iran. Earlier, French President Nicolas Sarkozy reassured Hu that he will attend the opening ceremony, Sarkozy's office said. Sarkozy was the first world leader to raise the possibility of boycotting the festivities to protest China's violent crackdown on Tibet. Sarkozy and Hu spoke on the sidelines of the G-8 summit. The statement from Sarkozy's office made no mention of Tibet, human rights or the Dalai Lama. Copyright ? 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. |