By Sam Wechsler – Talk Radio News Service

Health care reform will drive down the federal deficit, President Obama said at a news conference Friday at the G8 summit in L’Aquila, Italy. Obama also discussed Iran, saying he hopes to soon welcome the politically-embroiled nation into the international community.

Obama said he understands Republicans’ concern for the U.S.’s massive budget deficit, but said “what cannot be denied is that the only way to get a handle on our medium and long term budget deficits is to corral and contain health care costs.” Obama said that while it is not absolutely necessary, he wants to pass a health care reform bill by the August congressional recess.

“My biggest job is to explain to the American people why this is so important and give them confidence that we can do better than we’re doing right now,” said Obama.

As for the nuclear weapons program in Iran, President Obama stated that he would evaluate that at the G20 meeting in September.

“The international community has said ‘here’s a door you [Iran] can walk through that allows you to lessen tensions and more fully join the international community.’ If Iran chooses not to walk through that door you have on record, the G8 to begin with, but I think potentially a lot of other countries that say we need to take further steps,” said Obama.

President Obama stated at the G8 summit in L’Aquila, Italy Friday that the world has “opened a door” to welcome Iran into the international community. Now, Iran must hold up its end of the bargain by discontinuing its nuclear weapons program (1:05).

 

 Standard Podcast [1:05m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

By Kayleigh Harvey – Talk Radio News Service

Eric Farnsworth, Vice-President for Council of Americas suggests Brazil and Mexico should be allowed to join the G8 at a Subcommittee meeting on the Western Hemisphere. February 4, 2009.

 

 Standard Podcast: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon briefed the press at UN headquarters in New York about his recent trip to Asia, including the G8 summit in Hokkaido, Japan.

The SG traveled between his home nation of Korea, China, and Japan.  He expressed that all three nations are “rising” powers, and that their futures are interlinked.

Mr. Ban would not characterize the G8 summit as a success or failure, but did mention that he was pleased with apparent progress.  The Secretary-General noted that the United Nations and international community must focus on three specific areas of growth; climate change, food security, and development.  (Listen to audio.)  He applauded the G8 nations on their commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2050.  The SG also acknowledged a financial commitment by G8 nations of $10 billion to help food security, but reminded the nations that true food security requires $25 billion per year.  Regarding development, particularly in Africa, the SG was please by the eventual goal to recruit 1.5 million health care workers over the next several years.  Additionally, the G8 will work towards a donation of 100 insecticide-treated bed nets to help prevent Malaria.

In Sudan, the Secretary-General condemned in the strongest possible language the recent attack on United Nations African Union Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID). (Listen to audio.) According to the UN, the attack was perpetrated by approximately 200 members of the Janjaweed militia, and involved the use of “heavy arms” by forces on horseback and in SUVs.  Seven UNAMID members were killed, and another 22 were injured.  The SG reminded all involved parties to remember their commitments to peace and stability in the region.

During today’s press conference, Mr. Ban also condemned violence surrounding the on-going electoral crisis in Zimbabwe.  The SG indicated that all G8 members are “seriously engaged” in finding solutions to crisis.  The Security Council is currently deliberating on potentially sanctioning the government of Zimbabwe.

Finally, Mr. Ban addressed climate change.  He stressed that work towards improving the climate change crisis will greatly assist the UN’s other two goals of food security and improved development in Africa. (Listen to audio.) Although there were no consensus agreements on short-term and mid-term reductions in carbon emissions, the Secretary-General was pleased at progress made by G8 nations.

All audio segments streaming and download below.

Video Report by Dan Patterson recorded after the Secretary-General’s press conference:

Click To Play

 

 UN SG Ban Ki-moon denounces Sudan violence: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

 UN SG Ban Ki-moon on 3 Major Global Crisis: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

 UN SG Ban Ki-moon on interlocking goals: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download