Conflicts at the summit of 8
Differences of opinion on tackling climate change and clashes between police and protesters set the tone for the G8 summit
The US president expressed his willingness to work with the German chancellor on climate change during a joint press conference on Wednesday. George W. Bush has said he wants to work with Angela Merkel on a deal that would succeed the Kyoto treaty and have two goals: to reduce greenhouse gases and to divert from conventional energy sources.
For her part, Angela Merkel assessed that there is a good chance of reaching a common position and expressed the hope that the summit will send a strong message to the world on tackling climate change.
However, it has become clear from American sources that Washington does not intend to agree with the position promoted by the German Chancellor and predicts a reduction in gas emissions by half by 2050.
Episodes of protesters-police
In addition to the frictions between the leaders, there are clashes between police and protesters. Eight police officers were injured when they tried to prevent protesters from reaching Heilingedham in northern Germany, where the rally is being held. It is estimated that about 10,000 people tried to reach the area around the hotel where the leaders of the 8 most developed countries have been ousted, while about 16,000 police officers have been deployed.
A different proposal
The enlargement of the G8 towards a G20, with the participation of countries such as China, India, Indonesia and Brazil, was proposed by the head of the World Trade Organization, Pascal Lamy, speaking on the radio station "France Culture".
