Manning-Bush summit in the making?

A SUMMIT between Prime Minister Patrick Manning and United States President George W Bush, to further discuss issues raised on Monday between the two leaders, could happen in the not-too-distant future.

Foreign Affairs Minister Knowlson Gift opened the door to this possibility when he addressed a news conference at Knowlsey Building yesterday. Gift told reporters that the impromptu meeting at the White House between Manning, Bush and US national security adviser Condoleeza Rice proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that there are “no hindrances” regarding relations between Port-of-Spain and Washington DC.He explained that “the warmth and camaraderie that existed during that encounter” provides ample testimony to the strength of US-Trinidad and Tobago relations. Both nations have differing views regarding the International Criminal Court. Former President Arthur NR Robinson is a principal architect of the court while the Bush administration believes that the court’s rulings could be biased towards American citizens and especially American military personnel serving in peacekeeping missions overseas. Government sources said the fact that the two men met shows there is no bad blood between the two countries on that issue and represents “a major diplomatic coup.”

Gift then disclosed that Monday’s meeting between Manning and Bush started discussions on several key issues affecting both nations but was just a “preliminary” one. Asked whether a more detailed and in-depth meeting between the two leaders would take place, the Minister replied: “That will take place in due course.” Gift added that the Prime Minister will reveal the specifics of Monday’s discussions with Bush in due course.