SAARI NEWS: barak obama

Obama visits Saudi Arabia amid strategic diferences over Iran, Syria

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<span id="ContentPlaceHolder1_lblDetail" style="font-style: normal;"><b>ROME: US President Barack Obama on Friday left Italy for Saudi Arabia -- the last stop of his six-day tour of Europe and the Middle East.</b></span><br />
<span id="ContentPlaceHolder1_lblDetail" style="font-style: normal;">Obama´s plane, Air Force One, left Rome´s Fiumicino airport at 0955 GMT, an AFP photographer travelling with the president said. </span><br />
<span id="ContentPlaceHolder1_lblDetail" style="font-style: normal;">The US leader was expected to spend Friday evening in talks with Saudi King Abdullah on a royal estate outside the capital Riyadh. </span><br />
<span id="ContentPlaceHolder1_lblDetail" style="font-style: normal;">The visit comes amid strategic differences over Iran and Syria, which are straining a historic alliance between the United States and Saudi Arabia.</span><br />
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<span id="ContentPlaceHolder1_lblDetail" style="font-style: normal;">Obama was expected to fly back to the United States on Saturday. In Rome on Thursday, Obama met with Pope Francis for the first time and held talks with Italian President Giorgio Napolitano and Prime Minister Matteo Renzi. </span><br />
<span id="ContentPlaceHolder1_lblDetail" style="font-style: normal;">The Italian news agency ANSA reported that John Elkann, the chairman of Italian automaker Fiat, attended a dinner on Thursday at the US ambassador´s residence with Obama. Fiat bought a majority stake in US car maker Chrysler earlier this year and is planning to list the newly merged Fiat Chrysler conglomerate on Wall Street in October. (AFP)</span><br />
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AFP<br />

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AFP barak obama rome saudia arabia news world Obama visits Saudi Arabia amid strategic diferences over Iran, Syria

ROME: US President Barack Obama on Friday left Italy for Saudi Arabia -- the last stop of his six-day tour of Europe and the Middle East...

Obama, Hollande speak out on Iran sanctions

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<span id="ContentPlaceHolder1_lblDetail" style="font-style: normal;"><b>WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama vowed Tuesday to come down like "a ton of bricks" on firms that violate sanctions against Iran, speaking at a joint news conference with French President Francois Hollande, who defended a trip by French businesses executives to Tehran.</b></span><br />
<span id="ContentPlaceHolder1_lblDetail" style="font-style: normal;">The United States and France are among the countries that signed an interim nuclear agreement with Tehran. The agreement halts progress on the Islamic republic's nuclear program in exchange for easing international sanctions. Talks on a final deal begin next week in Vienna, Austria.</span><br />
<span id="ContentPlaceHolder1_lblDetail" style="font-style: normal;">Speaking on companies doing business with Iran in violation of sanctions still in place, Obama said, "We will come down on them like a ton of bricks" if they don't hold up their end.</span><br />
<span id="ContentPlaceHolder1_lblDetail" style="font-style: normal;">The Obama administration has objected to the interest French businesses have shown in Iran since the sanctions were eased. More than 100 French executives visited Tehran last week, a trip Secretary of State John Kerry told his counterparts in Paris was "not helpful."</span><br />
<span id="ContentPlaceHolder1_lblDetail" style="font-style: normal;">Hollande said he told the French businessmen that sanctions remain in effect and no commercial agreements can be signed without a long-term, comprehensive nuclear deal. But he said he's not president of the French employer's union and companies make their own travel decisions.</span><br />
<span id="ContentPlaceHolder1_lblDetail" style="font-style: normal;">The United States and France also have been working to end the violent civil war in Syria, a former French colony. But peace talks between the Syrian government and opposition forces have gained no traction.</span><br />
<span id="ContentPlaceHolder1_lblDetail" style="font-style: normal;">Obama acknowledged that Syrian peace talks are far from reaching their goal.</span><br />
<span id="ContentPlaceHolder1_lblDetail" style="font-style: normal;">"There's enormous frustration here," he said of the negotiations.</span><br />
<span id="ContentPlaceHolder1_lblDetail" style="font-style: normal;">An agreement to strip Syria of its chemical weapons stockpiles is being carried out. But there are concerns on both sides of the Atlantic that Syria is stalling on its obligations.</span><br />
<span id="ContentPlaceHolder1_lblDetail" style="font-style: normal;">When Obama threatened a military strike against Syria following a chemical weapons attack there last year, France was the only European ally ready to join that effort.</span><br />
<span id="ContentPlaceHolder1_lblDetail" style="font-style: normal;">Obama said the United State and France have rebuilt a relationship that "would have been unimaginable even a decade ago," after President George W. Bush launched an unpopular war against Iraq.</span><br />
<span id="ContentPlaceHolder1_lblDetail" style="font-style: normal;">There has been some tension between the U.S. and its allies in Europe and elsewhere following revelations that their leaders had been subject to spying from the National Security Agency.</span><br />
<span id="ContentPlaceHolder1_lblDetail" style="font-style: normal;">Obama said there is no country with which the United States has "a no-spy agreement." But he says the United States endeavors to protect privacy rights as it collects foreign intelligence.</span><br />
<span id="ContentPlaceHolder1_lblDetail" style="font-style: normal;">Hollande said he and Obama "clarified things" about the spying revelations and "mutual trust has been restored."</span><br />
<span id="ContentPlaceHolder1_lblDetail" style="font-style: normal;">"That mutual trust must be based on respect for each other's country but also based on protection, protection of private life, of personal data, the fact that any individual, in spite of technological progress, can be sure that he's not being spied on. These are principles that unite us," Hollande said.</span><br />
<span id="ContentPlaceHolder1_lblDetail" style="font-style: normal;">Obama also announced that he's accepted Hollande's invitation to travel to France for the June 6 ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of the D-Day invasion of Normandy.</span><br />
<span id="ContentPlaceHolder1_lblDetail" style="font-style: normal;">The remarks came at an hour-long news conference in the midst of an official state visit, held as Hollande is facing romantic upheaval that resulted in his showing up stag to the White House. The 59-year-old ended his relationship last month with girlfriend and French first lady Valerie Trierweiler after it was revealed that he was having an affair with an actress.</span><br />
<span id="ContentPlaceHolder1_lblDetail" style="font-style: normal;">The White House has carefully avoided any mention of Hollande's personal drama and has moved forward with a grand welcome reserved only for America's closest allies.</span><br />
<span id="ContentPlaceHolder1_lblDetail" style="font-style: normal;">On a cold February morning, Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and a military honor guard welcomed Hollande as he arrived on the South Lawn of the White House. The two leaders shook hands before a cheering crowd, many waving American and French flags, and greeted two American military veterans who served in France during World War II.</span><br />
<span id="ContentPlaceHolder1_lblDetail" style="font-style: normal;">Following the arrival ceremony, Obama and Hollande held a private meeting in the Oval Office before appearing before the press in the East Room. And the Obamas were to fete Hollande during an opulent state dinner that night, where celebrities guests were to dine on American caviar and wine and enjoy a performance by singer Mary J. Blige</span><br />
<span id="ContentPlaceHolder1_lblDetail" style="font-style: normal;">A French reporter asked if France has now become the top U.S. ally in Europe, beating out Britain. "I have two daughters," Obama replied. "And they are both gorgeous and wonderful, and I would never choose between them. And that's how I feel about my outstanding European partners."</span><br />
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AP<br />

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AP barak obama world Obama, Hollande speak out on Iran sanctions

WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama vowed Tuesday to come down like "a ton of bricks" on firms that violate sanctions against...

Nawaz, Obama vow cooperation as tensions ease

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<b>WASHINGTON: Seeking to improve a rocky relationship, President Barack Obama and Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday pledged cooperation on the security issues that have strained ties between their nations. But the sources of the long-standing tensions did briefly bubble to the surface.</b></div>
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Speaking alongside Obama at the White House, Sharif said he raised the issue of American drone strikes during their two-hour meeting, ``emphasizing the need for an end to such strikes.'' For his part, Obama made no mention of drones, which have stoked widespread resentment in Pakistan where many believe the targeted strikes by the armed unmanned aircraft kill large numbers of civilians.</div>
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Despite the Pakistani concerns, the U.S. has shown no indication it is willing to abandon the attacks, even though the number has dropped in the past couple of years.</div>
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Wednesday marked the first time Obama and Sharif have met since the Pakistani leader took office in June. And the mere fact that the talks took place was seen as a sign of progress after a particularly sour period in relations between the security partners.</div>
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Obama acknowledged that there will always be some tension between the U.S. and Pakistan, but said he and Sharif agreed to build a relationship based on mutual respect.</div>
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``It's a challenge. It's not easy,'' he said. ``We committed to working together and making sure that rather than this being a source of tension between our two countries, it can be a source of strength.''</div>
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Washington has warmly welcomed Sharif, who arrived on Sunday for his first visit to the U.S. capital since taking office.</div>
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He dined with Secretary of State John Kerry and other top U.S. officials and was hosted at a breakfast meeting Wednesday at Vice President Joe Biden's residence.</div>
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Sharif's wife was also the guest of honor at a tea and poetry reception hosted by first lady Michelle Obama and Jill Biden, the vice president's wife.</div>
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A military honor guard also lined the driveway leading to the West Wing of the White House as Sharif arrived for his meeting with Obama.</div>
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Beyond drones, the other hot-button issues on the agenda for Wednesday's meeting included plans for winding down the U.S.-led war in Afghanistan and the longstanding tensions between India and Pakistan.</div>
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Both leaders agreed on the need for a stable and secure Afghanistan after combat missions formally conclude there at the end of next year.</div>
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Pakistan's conflict with India over the disputed region of Kashmir was also a central topic of the talks. Obama praised Sharif for seeking to end tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.</div>
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``Billions of dollars have been spent on an arms race in response to these tensions,'' Obama said.</div>
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``Those resources could be much more properly invested in education, social welfare programs on both sides of the border between India and Pakistan.''</div>
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Sharif said he was committed to cooperation with India, including on Kashmir. The Pakistani leader also invited Obama to visit Pakistan, but the U.S. president did not publicly accept the offer.</div>
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During his first term, Obama had told Pakistani officials that he wanted to visit the country, but those plans were halted by the increased tensions that followed the bin Laden killing.</div>
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<b>AP</b></div>
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AP barak obama nawaz sharif nawaz tour to america usa world Nawaz, Obama vow cooperation as tensions ease

WASHINGTON: Seeking to improve a rocky relationship, President Barack Obama and Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday ple...

Obama cancels Asia trip because of shutdown

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<b>WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama cancelled a trip to Asia next week because of the government shutdown, the White House announced late Thursday.</b><br />
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<b>Obama had already shortened the trip from four countries to two. The White House announced earlier in the week that Obama would be unable to visit Malaysia and the Philippines because the partial shutdown of the federal government was impacting personnel needed to set up the stops.</b><br />
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<b>The White House had held out hope that the president could attend to economic summits in Indonesia and Brunei. But he decided to skip the entire trip to stay in Washington to continue pressing for a budget bill that would reopen the government.</b><br />
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<b>``The cancellation of this trip is another consequence of the House Republicans forcing a shutdown of the government,'' White House press secretary Jay Carney said in a statement. </b><br />
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<b>``This completely avoidable shutdown is setting back our ability to create jobs through promotion of U.S. exports and advance U.S. leadership and interests in the largest emerging region in the world.''</b><br />
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<b>Obama had been due to depart Washington late Saturday night.</b><br />
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<b>Secretary of State John Kerry, already on a trip to Asia, is visiting all four countries in place of the president.</b><br />
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<b>The White House said Obama called the Sultan of Brunei and Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Thursday night to express his regret.</b><br />
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AP asia trip barak obama economic summite usa news washington washington dc world Obama cancels Asia trip because of shutdown

WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama cancelled a trip to Asia next week because of the government shutdown, the White House announced late Th...

Romney win debate, but watch the pol

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BBC<br />
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<b>Before this debate there was lots of talk of zingers. In the end, Rommey and Obama almost zinged past each other.</b></div>
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The three men on the red carpet - the two candidates at their pulpits, and the moderator Jim Lehrer sitting at his over - large desk - all seemed to have a different conception of what the debate should be like, as if they were each playing a different sport on the same field. Romney was playing American football, Obama cricket and Lehrer tiddlywinks.</div>
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Those who bemoan the lack of substance in modern politics can't complain about this debate.</div>
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Figures flew past at a dizzying speed. but the details are complex, and to follow the argument you would not only have to have an extremely good grasp of the various subjects, from taxation to bank regulation, but an excellent memory as well. It might have been ennobling but i am not sure how enlightening it will have been to the average voter.</div>
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But as theatre, a battle of image and confidence, Mitt romney was the clear winner. he had obviously practised so hard and so long that he was nearly hoarse. But not quite. Instead his voice was a touche deeper. No bad thing.</div>
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He looked Mr Obama in the eyes as he interrupted with animation, overriding the moderator, insisting on a comeback. He didn't seem rude. He did seem in command and to be enjoying  the scarp.</div>
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President Obama on the other hand looked as through he'd much rather be out celebrating his wedding anniversary with his wife. He started out looking very nervous, swallowing hard, not the confident performer we are used to seeing.</div>
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<b>Watch the polls</b></div>
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He warmed up and got into his stride but that meant he ended up giving overlong, mini-lectures straight to camera rather than engaging, arguing. He seemed unwilling to actually enter a debate with his opponent, and missed a few obvious openings when he could have attacked Mitt Romney.</div>
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I am sure a few Democratic strategists at home would have been swearing at the TV like football fans angry at a missed goal. but My colleague Dick Myer, the executive producer of BBC America, has some words of caution:</div>
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"Obama and his campaign are very disciplined and research-driven. There may well be a very international plan to keep Obama low-key, low-rhetoric, wonky and prosaic. they are looking at achieving more than media spin. And this debate is essentially a monotone, no fireworks, no mongo-gaffes, no crack-them-up funny lines and no big margins."</div>
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barak obama but watch the pol interesting match mitt romney Romney win debate usa polls who will win world Romney win debate, but watch the pol

BBC Before this debate there was lots of talk of zingers. In the end, Rommey and Obama almost zinged past each other. The three m...