France's Sarkozy Will Meet Bush in Maine This Weekend
WASHINGTON — President Bush and President Sarkozy of France will meet this weekend at the coastal Maine home of Mr. Bush's parents, the White House said yesterday.
Mr. Sarkozy is vacationing at an estate on Lake Winnipesaukee in Wolfeboro, N.H., about 50 miles away from Kennebunkport, Maine, where former President George H.W. Bush and his wife, Barbara, own a seaside compound called Walker's Point.
The president arrives in Kennebunkport today, staying through the weekend for a wedding. The Bushes are having Mr. Sarkozy and his wife, Cecilia, to a private lunch on Saturday, presidential spokesman Tony Snow said. Laura Bush extended the invitation during meetings of world leaders in Germany in June, Mr. Snow said.
"The U.S. and France share the deepest of friendship," Mr. Snow said. "They've worked together since the founding of our nation to protect freedom around the world."
The Sarkozys have been staying at an estate on Lake Winnipesaukee owned by former Microsoft Corp. executive Michael Appe. The estate can be rented for $30,000 a week, according to a rental Web site.
France has been atwitter over Mr. Sarkozy's decision to take his first vacation as France's leader in America. Wolfeboro traces its history back to 1759 and claims to be the oldest summer resort in America. Questions have swirled about how much the visit cost and who was paying for it.
"The president believes in building personal relationships with other heads of state," he said of Mr. Bush. "This fits into that pattern. I'm sure they'll talk about some international matters. But this is not a summit, this is not something with an agenda. The agenda is ‘Come by, and let's visit.'"
The White House has delighted at the prospect that Mr. Sarkozy's election could usher in improved American-French ties after years of acrimony under his predecessors over the Iraq war and other differences. Mr. Sarkozy expressed fondness for America during his campaign and promised renewed ties with Washington.
