Obama: It's 'important' to talk to Iran, N. Korea
Speaking before G8 summit in Rome, US president says world must engage in dialogue with Tehran, Pyongyang in order to prevent arms race
The US president joined fellow world leaders in Italy for talks on threats to global security and stability at a summit where climate change, the global economic crisis, nuclear proliferation and world hunger took top billing.
Obama and the leaders of seven other industrialized nations had meetings in the picturesque town of L'Aquila, northeast of Rome, before they were to widen their circle to include fast-growing countries like China and India and struggling nations from Africa. In large and small groups, the talks will involve trade, climate change, Iran's nuclear ambitions, food security and other issues.
Obama, accompanied by his wife Michelle, met Italian President Giorgio Napolitano after arriving at the stately Quirinale Palace in Rome, a spectacular setting that included a large room with a soaring ceiling, gilded walls and doors and huge chandaliers.
After that meeting, Obama said he was looking forward to the G-8 talks and praised his Italian hosts for being "such good friends" of the United States over the years.
He said the two countries "are working hand in hand in places like Afghanistan to ensure that we're isolating extremists and strengthening the forces of moderation around the world."
Obama also said he and Napolitano agreed that efforts must continue on "raising standards on financial institutions" to protect against future global economic meltdowns.
He also said it is crucial that world leaders work to ensure that Iran and North Korea don't "take a path" that would widen the arms race on the Korean peninsula and in the Mideast.
Obama made a major speech in Moscow after jointly declaring with Soviet President Dmtry Medvedev a desire to find agreement by year's end on a treaty to slash US and Russian nuclear stockpiles by a third. Barring a breakthrough on climate change, or perhaps new sanctions against Iran, the emotional highlight of Obama's Italy trip may be his audience Friday with Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican.
Citing his visit to Moscow, Obama said that "even if the United States and Russia should assume their own responsibilities, it is very important for the world talk to countries such as Iran or North Korea, to encourage them to make steps in the same direction, not ones that could lead to an arms race.
"There are other ways in which these countries can ensure their sovereignty," he added.
