Return to Transcripts main page

American Morning

Bush Heads for G8 Via Arizona

Aired June 25, 2002 - 07:05   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: As we mentioned, President Bush is on his way to Arizona, the president juggling a lot of issues this morning, as he prepares to board Air Force One. He heads to Arizona, ultimately though for Canada.

Our White House correspondent, Kelly Wallace, previews the president's travel -- Kelly, good morning.

KELLY WALLACE, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn. The seriousness of that fire prompting President Bush's staff to change his schedule at the last minute, so he could get a first- hand look at the damage. Mr. Bush leaving the White House just a short time ago heading for Arizona. There, he will get an aerial tour of the fires. He'll also meet with emergency and rescue teams and some of the many families affected by all of this.

Then, Mr. Bush continues his regular schedule, heading to Canada for the summit of the wealthiest nations plus, also known as the G8 Summit. There the discussion will include the ongoing war against terrorism, aid to Africa and also efforts to bring peace to the Middle East.

Of course, as our viewers know, Mr. Bush laid out his plan in the Rose Garden yesterday, a plan that really marked the president's toughest stand to date when it comes to Palestinian leader, Yasser Arafat. Mr. Bush never mentioned Arafat by name, but made it clear he must go. The president saying the U.S. will support a Palestinian state, but only if there is -- quote -- "new and different Palestinian leadership."

Senior administration officials saying after last week's two deadly suicide bombings in Israel, the president reached the conclusion that in order for there to be progress, there must be new leadership. The Israelis are applauding the move. The big question is how will this plan be received in the Arab world and on the part of the Palestinian people -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Kelly Wallace at the White House helping us chart the president's travel today -- Kelly, thank you very much.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com.