Buss in Brushels

I bet he doesn't even appreciate the beer or the chocolate... silly Texan...

"BRUSSELS - On Sunday United States President George W. Bush began a five-day European tour. He arrived at Melsbroek military airport outside Brussels at 9 pm, where he was welcomed by Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt. This morning the President and his wife were received by King Albert II and Queen Paola at the Royal Palace in Brussels. He then moved on to Verhofstadt's residence, where the two leaders were joined by Belgian Foreign Minister Karel De Gucht and US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. A possible cooperation between the two countries with regard to Iraq, Iran and Congo was on the main agenda.
Later on today Bush will meet with NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer. He will also give a speech at the prestigious Concert Noble hall in Brussels. Excerpts of the speech have already been released to the press. The tone is conciliatory, with the President calling for the beginning of a new era of transatlantic unity. Bush is also expected to urge the European nations to give greater support to the new Iraqi government.

Finally, tonight Bush will host a private dinner with French President Jacques Chirac, one of the most outspoken critics of the war in Iraq.

A huge security operation has been put in place for Bush's visit with 2,500 police and 250 U.S. Secret Service agents on duty in Brussels. On Sunday, hundreds of demonstrators rallied at the Brussels Stock Exchange to make it clear that the President is not welcome. The Socialist parties of the ruling federal majority, the Flemish SP.A and the French-language PS, gave their support to an anti-Bush demonstration scheduled for this evening which will include around one hundred peace, environment and human rights organisations. A spokesman for Verhofstadt questioned the presence of government coalition parties in the rally." (Source:RVI)

(snipped from www.xpats.com)