Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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August 10, 2008

Bush Worships in China, Meets With Chinese President 
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=1DA08E2:A6F02AD83191E1605D2A299C4DB1A8A52E7CA1C1B166B639&
 
President Bush's comments at start of meeting focuses on deadly knife
attack on an American couple, not China's human rights record 
U.S. President George Bush met Sunday with Chinese President Hu Jintao
on the sidelines of the Beijing Olympic games. VOA's Paula Wolfson
reports the session took place a few hours after Mr. Bush attended
church services in Beijing.US President George W. Bush, left, shares a
light moment with Chinese President Hu Jintao in Beijing, 10 Aug 2008
President Bush said prior to his arrival in China that he planned to
take up human rights and other sensitive issues in private with Hu
Jintao.But his public comments to reporters at the start of the meeting
focused largely on another topic - the deadly knife attack Saturday on
an American couple and their Chinese tour guide.When President Hu
offered his condolences, Mr. Bush responded with words of thanks."I
thank you for your expressions of sympathy and the ambassador informs me
that your government has been very attentive and very sympathetic and I
appreciate that a lot," he said.  The incident occurred at the Drum
Tower, a popula!
 r tourist spot in Beijing. A lone assailant stabbed the parents of a
former Olympic women's volleyball star, who is also the wife of the
current US men's volleyball coach. Her father died and her mother
remains in grave condition.The Chinese man who attacked the couple and
their guide committed suicide, and the motive for the incident is not
known. President Hu promised a full investigation. The Chinese leader
said his government takes the matter very seriously. He told President
Bush law enforcement authorities are pursuing the case in accordance
with Chinese law.The two met just a few hours after President Bush
attended Sunday morning services at a government-approved church in
BeijingAs he emerged from the church with members of his family, he made
clear he believes faith has a place in China."You know, it just goes to
show that God is universal, and God is love, and no state, man or woman
should fear the influence of loving religion," said Mr. Bush.The presi!
 dent has also made clear he has been having a grand time at the Olympi
cs - cheering on Team USA at events ranging from beach volleyball to
basketball.He was at the swimming venue Sunday when American swimmer
Michael Phelps won his first gold medal of the games with a victory in
the 400 meter individual medley. Mr. Bush returns to Washington on
Monday.


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