Disagreements and conflicts at the G8 summit
First day of talks between the 8 most powerful countries in the world and the atmosphere of the summit is expected to be warm from the disagreements of the countries on many issues
The first day of talks between the 8 most powerful states on the planet in Healingenham, in northern Germany, and the climate of the summit is expected to be warm from the countries' disagreements on many issues. Kosovo status, missile shield and Iran's nuclear program will be the first topics to be discussed Thursday morning. US President George W. Bush and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin are expected to hold private talks on the sidelines of the summit in a bid to ease tensions in relations between the two countries.
However, the summit could easily turn into a "battle" as the disagreements over the burning issues to be discussed are great. On the issue of Kosovo, Russia strongly disagrees with the Ahtisaari proposals and has made it clear that it will not accept a solution rejected by Belgrade. Also reacting to the US plan to deploy a missile defense system in the Czech Republic and Poland, Moscow has threatened to turn its weapons on Europe.
There is also a difference of opinion on how to deal with climate change as Germany and the United States are unable to agree on the measures to be taken, and there is a general suspicion of George W. Bush's stance and intentions on this really hot issue. Arriving in Healingdam, Mr. Bush said he wanted to work with Angela Merkel on a deal that would succeed the Kyoto treaty and have two goals: to reduce greenhouse gases and to break free from greenhouse gases. the classic energy sources. He also retold his previous reports on democracy in Russia, saying "Russian society has taken many steps forward." The US president also tried to reassure Mr Putin about the missile shield.
Meanwhile, the atmosphere is tense outside the summit, where thousands of protesters clash with police on a daily basis. About 6,000 protesters have gathered in the area, while about 16,000 police have lined up to protect the G8. On Wednesday, 8 police officers were injured in their attempt to prevent protesters from approaching the area and the clashes are expected to continue in the following days, until the end of the session. Let us hope there are no casualties.
