Hide and Not Seek: Bush and Iranian President at the U.N.
Sept. 19, 2006— -- No one should be surprised if there is no breakthrough at the UN General Assembly this week in the frosty relations between U-S President George W. Bush and Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The annual conclave of world leaders offers the opportunity for talks both in one-on-one meetings and at informal get-togethers such as the reception President Bush hosts for leaders Tuesday night at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. But the Iranian President's invitation to the latter must have been lost in the mail.
Nor did Bush accept Ahmadinejad's invitation to debate on television. The Iranian had suggested a live, uncensored debate "..about world issues and ways out of these standoffs," such as the one over Tehran's nuclear ambitions. But White House Press Secretary Tony Snow said, " There is not going to be a steel-cage, grudge match between Bush and Ahmadinejad. ....This is not going to be a UN version of Crossfire (CNN's former hotwired debate show)." Snow also ruled out any informal chats during social occasions at the UN. The White House Advance Office, which plans presidential travels, tries to make sure there are no accidental meetings .
Other presidents have also relied on their aides to try to avoid embarrassing confrontations with leaders they would rather not bump up against. But accidents do happen.
Bill Clinton did not want to talk to Cuba's Fidel Castro at the UN General Assembly iin 2000. They wound up in a crowded room at a diplomatic lunch, and Castro stuck out his hand. Clinton shook it. The first and only time any American president had physically touched Castro. (Richard Nixon had met Castro but that was long before Nixon became President.) When reporters asked if they shook hands, Clinton Press Secretary Joe Lockhart first said, "No," then a short time later said, "Yes." Secretary of State Albright said they not only shook, but also talked for "a couple of minutes." She said: "It was a chance encounter that Mr. Castro initiated. It was just a cordial conversation, but no substance as I understand it."
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