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SLUG: 2-303558 Bush-Koizumi (L-only)
DATE: NOTE NUMBER: |
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DATE=5/22/03 TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT TITLE=BUSH KOIZUMI (L-ONLY) NUMBER=2-303558 BYLINE=PAULA WOLFSON DATELINE= WHITE HOUSE CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: President Bush has welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to his Texas ranch for talks expected to focus on North Korea's nuclear ambitions. V-O-A's Paula Wolfson reports the two leaders stand together on the need for a multilateral approach to the problem. TEXT: White House spokesman Ari Fleischer says the two leaders have a full agenda for the talks, with North Korea at the top. Mr. Fleischer says the Japanese people have been very disappointed in North Korea's actions, and he suggests a strongly worded statement could emerge from the meeting at the Bush ranch. He told reporters traveling to Texas with the president that North Korea has "miscalculated." He said by threatening to develop nuclear weapons, Pyongyang hoped to scare its neighbors and the United States and get a reward. But the White House spokesman said America and North Korea's neighbors have formed a united front and agreed they will not be blackmailed. He said that is the message being sent to North Korea by the Japanese, the Chinese and the South Koreans. Mr. Fleischer made clear a number of other issues will get attention during the prime minister's stay at the ranch. He made specific mention of economic matters. And he said they would be talking about reconstruction efforts in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Prime Minister Koizumi is one of a handful of world leaders to be invited to the president's private home. Although Mr. Bush hosted a state visit this week for Philippines President Gloria Arroyo, he is known to prefer low-key meetings free of pomp and ceremony. Nowhere is he more comfortable than at his ranch, where he has welcomed a small group of presidents and prime ministers for visits far from Washington and the spotlight. Those who have made the trip include the leaders of Russia, Great Britain, China, Mexico, Spain, Saudi Arabia and Australia. (signed) NEB/PW/PT |
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