Bush, Sarkozy pledge close ties

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WORLD / America

Bush, Sarkozy pledge close ties

(AP)
Updated: 2007-08-12 09:09

US President George W. Bush (2nd L) and U.S. first lady Laura Bush (L)
welcome French President Nicolas Sarkozy (C) to the Bush family residence
in Kennebunkport, Maine, August 11, 2007. [Reuters]?

KENNEBUNKPORT, Maine - US President Bush, using all the trappings of his
family's oceanfront estate, worked on a cozier relationship with France
and its new president Saturday.

Bush welcomed Nicolas Sarkozy, the French leader known for his fast-paced
style who may also be this White House's last true chance for better
relations between the two nations.

"He's bringing a good brain, good vision and goodwill," Bush said from
his parents' compound, which juts out like a finger pointing into the
Atlantic Ocean.

Bush called Sarkozy a friend who could be counted on to speak frankly.

"We have had good disagreements — on Iraq, in particular," Bush
acknowledged about the frayed U.S.-France partnership. "But I've never
allowed disagreements to not find other ways to work together."

Sarkozy, visiting Bush for the first time as France's president, came
with plenty of his own warm words. He focused on more than two centuries
of united history between the countries, thanking the U.S. for
sacrificing lives to help defend France in time of war.

"That is a lot more important than Mr. Sarkozy or Mr. Bush," he said.
"Because after Mr. Bush, and after Mr. Sarkozy, we'll continue to be
friends of the Americans."

All the effusiveness was intended to be a message to the world that
diplomatic life is on the upswing for the U.S. and France. It comes in
contrast to the bitter relationship with former French president Jacques
Chirac, who clashed with Bush most notably over Iraq.

Sarkozy, too, acknowledged differences but downplayed them.

"Do we agree on everything? No," he said, an apparent reference to the
divisive Iraq war. "Because maybe even within a family there are
disagreements, but we are still a family. And we may be friends and not
agree on everything, but we are friends."

Privately, Bush and Sarkozy met for about 50 minutes for what the U.S.
president called a "heart-to-heart" talk. The former president sat in on
the session with them.

The topics included Iran, where Bush is seeking Sarkozy's aid in
thwarting Iran's suspected pursuit of a nuclear weapon. Other world
hotspots — Darfur and Lebanon among them — were likely discussed, but
the White House refused to divulge details.

The French president was treated to a true day in the life of the Bush
experience.

There was the greeting of handshakes and hugs from two presidents — the
current one and his dad, former President George H.W. Bush, who owns the
Kennebunkport compound. They were joined by President Bush's wife, Laura;
his mother, Barbara; and other family all around.

The Bush grandchildren even made colorful signs to herald Sarkozy's
arrival. Bush said it was an important signal to Sarkozy that he was
invited to meet the whole family.

As if to pound home the point that the event was a casual one, the White
House put no seafood entree on the menu in a region renowned for its
lobster. Instead, the visiting president got American picnic fare of hot
dogs, hamburgers, baked beans and fresh dessert.

"If he feels like it, he can have him a piece of blueberry pie," Bush
declared.

Sarkozy also got whisked away for a ride on a speed boat, with the former
president at the helm and President Bush at his side. They soaked in a
sparkling summer day in Maine.

Bush spokeswoman Dana Perino said the president looked forward to seeking
Sarkozy next in September, at the annual meeting of the United Nations
General Assembly in New York.

Sarkozy gives Bush a chance to shore up support in the core of Europe,
although the new leader has clearly echoed Chirac's opposition to the
Iraq war.

Meanwhile, Saturday's event sustained a setback before it started.

Sarkozy's wife, Cecilia, canceled at the last minute because she and two
of their kids were sick — a notable absence. Sarkozy explained that
they had come down with sore throats.

"We're disappointed she's sick, but we understand," Bush said. "That
happens sometimes in life."

In France, Sarkozy caused a considerable stir by opting to take a
vacation in the United States — seen as a sign of his pro-American
tendencies. He chose Lake Winnipesaukee in Wolfeboro, N.H., about 50
miles from the Bush compound known as Walker's Point.

Bush said he would go to France if Sarkozy invited him. But he didn't try
hiding the fact that he prefers his ranch in central Texas, where his
vacation continues on Monday.

After indulging the media by fielding some questions — and then
prodding the talkative Sarkozy to do the same — Bush wrapped up their
brief appearance on his own terms.

"Thank you," he said. "We've got to go eat a hamburger."

Hours after Sarkozy left town, Bush attended the wedding ceremony of Cary
Gottesman. She is the daughter of Bush's longtime friends from Texas,
Sandy and Lisa Gottesman, and the brother of Bush's former personal aide,
Blake Gottesman.

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