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American Morning

President, Protesters Speak at G8 Summit

Aired July 20, 2001 - 09:20   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: Police in riot gear had to move in to subdue protesters as the G8 Summit of world leaders began in Genoa, Italy. Witnesses said some 200 protesters, dressed in black, were smashing windows and throwing rocks and firebombs. The protesters are at the annual summit that brings together world's top seven industrial nations and Russia.

President Bush is there.

So is out senior White House correspondent John King, who is traveling with the president.

John, good afternoon, where you are in Italy. Hello.

JOHN KING, SENIOR WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Good afternoon from Genoa, Daryn.

Those protesters have become a staple, as has tight security, anytime world leaders gather to discuss trade.

As you mention, the protests surround Genoa now because the leaders of the world's seven largest industrialized nations are meeting this afternoon to discuss the state of the global economy. The president of Russia will join them as well. It's called the Group of Eight when the Russian president joins in.

Around town, police are already reporting some 15 arrests. We have seen tear gas used against the demonstrators gathered outside of the security perimeter in Genoa, here. Inside the security perimeter, there are no protesters allowed, as the police and the military have set up quite a toughly-enforced perimeter here.

As he headed into the talks today, President Bush said he took issue with the protesters. Most of them oppose more global trade. They believe that exploits workers in poor, developing nations, especially low-wage workers. But Mr. Bush, heading into the discussion, said he believes more world trade is what is needed right now at a time there is evidence, not only in the United States, but around the world, that the economy is slowing a bit.

Mr. Bush also says he hopes to make the case to each of the leaders on hand here that when they go home, they must do more to stimulate economic growth. GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: It really begins with each of our own countries, making sure our economic houses are in order. I will share with my fellow leaders the fact that we shepherded through a major reduction in income taxes in America so that the working people have got more money in their pockets to spend on their needs. We'll also share the fact that our Federal Reserve is in conscious of the need to make sure our interest rates are such that we have economic vitality. As well, we will discuss ways to make sure countries less fortunate than our will be able to sustain economic growth.

KING: The leaders today also will announce contributions that add up to more than $1.5 billion for a new international fund to fight AIDS, especially in Africa. Some activist in that cause, though, say that's not enough money from the world richest countries.

On the sidelines -- this is an economic meeting -- Mr. Bush is expecting tough questions about his views on global warming and missile defense, a great deal of skepticism from European allies and on the subject of missile defense from the Russians, as well -- Daryn.

KAGAN: John King, in Genoa. John, thank you.

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