Bush sees chance to help Palestinians at G8 summit

A summit of the world's industrialised nations this week provides an opportunity to discuss ways to help the Palestinians, US…

A summit of the world's industrialised nations this week provides an opportunity to discuss ways to help the Palestinians, US President George W. Bush said in an interview published today.

Mr Bush said Africa, and its debt burden, was just one of several regions that would receive attention at the July 6-8 Group of Eight summit in Scotland.

"We also want to talk about the Palestinian conflict. There is a possibility for the G8 countries, the industrialised countries, to help the Palestinians," Mr Bush was quoted as saying in the interview with Danish daily Jyllands-Posten.

Mr Bush did not elaborate or give details.

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The interview was published two days before Mr Bush is to visit Denmark, which still has over 500 troops stationed in Iraq.

Mr Bush and wife Laura arrive in Denmark on Tuesday evening and spend the night before flying to Scotland on Wednesday. Mr Bush will hold talks with Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen. Rasmussen.

Mr Bush said he would seek to engage others at the summit in dialogue over the world economy.

“We want to talk about our economy. There is always a good discussion about currencies, for example. I'd be interested to hear what other countries are doing to get their economies up to speed,” he said.

“Then there is always Iraq, but the current happenings in the EU are also interesting. My message on those issues is clear; we wish for a successful Europe,” Mr Bush said.

He reiterated his position that Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons and expressed his support for European efforts to mediate the dispute.