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Bush Says Won't Change Positions on Missile Defense, Global Warming
US President George W. Bush on Monday made clear that he would stick to his controversial positions on missile defense and global warming during his second European trip this week.
Speaking to reporters after meeting British ambassador Christopher Meyer, Bush said: "On both issues, I have made my positions clear. People shouldn't doubt where the United States stands."
Bush's withdrawal from the Kyoto Protocol stunned the world and his plan to deploy a national missile defense shield drew fire from across the world, including Washington's allies.
On missile defense, Bush said, "In principle, it's important for us to develop a new strategic framework to make the world more peaceful."
"We will continue to consult with Great Britain on the issue. And I think British Prime Minister Tony Blair and others are beginning to realize that the Cold War is over."
"On global warming, the British prime minister knows, as do the leaders of the EU -- they heard me say, as loudly and as clearly as I can, we agree with the goal of reducing greenhouse gases, but we don't accept the methodology of the Kyoto treaty."
"I've looked forward, over time, to detailing our strategy with our friends and allies. And again, I repeat, it's with the goal in mind of making sure that we all work in the world, in developing nations as well as industrial nations, at reducing greenhouse gases," he added. Bush will embark on his second European tour for his first G-8 summit this week. He is likely to face criticism over his global warming and national missile defense positions.
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