Well done, lads: President and PM barbecue burgers for heroic troops

12 April 2012

Barack Obama and David Cameron stood shoulder to shoulder over Libya and Afghanistan today - and to flip burgers for the troops.

The President helped the Prime Minister cook a barbecue lunch for British and US veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan in the No 10 rose garden before a press conference.

There they pledged to see through the conflicts in Afghanistan and Libya and each called on Colonel Gaddafi to step down. President Obama vowed to stand by "those who yearn for freedom and dignity and basic human rights".

He said there would be no let-up in the pressure we are applying. Mr Cameron said the Nato allies would be "turning up the heat" on Gaddafi and said their aim would be to promote the Arab Spring to a "turning point in history. Mr Obama declared that the bond between their countries was "stronger than ever".

"It is a special relationship and an essential relationship," he said. "I believe it is stronger than it has ever been and I am committed to making it stay that way." There were chinks of difference between the leaders, however. Mr Cameron did not mention "1967 borders" in relation to Israel. And the President's language on Libya suggested sticking with current US involvement, rather than increasing it.

On a lighter note Mr Cameron said that the barbecue was the first time an American president had been given "a bit of a grilling" by a British leader. Michelle and Samantha smiled and chatted at the barbecue. Mrs Cameron was dressed in a pale summer dress and green belt and Mrs Obama wore a brown patterned jumper and skirt.

Mr Cameron paid personal tribute to the President who, like him, had "come of age" in the Eighties. "I have come to value not just his leadership and courage but the fact that to all the big international issues he brings thoughtful consideration and reason."

He went on: "From the beaches of Normandy to the Imjin river, our soldiers have fought together. From labs in Cambridge, Massachusetts to Cambridge, England, our scientists have decoded DNA and cured diseases together. And in millions of interactions every day, including our massive business relationship, our people forge friendships together.

"That is what makes this relationship special. But what makes it essential is that it's not just about history or sentiment. It is a living, working partnership. It is essential to our security and it's essential to our prosperity."

Mr Cameron said they could defeat al Qaeda. "There are those who say that this terrorist threat is beyond our control and we passionately believe that is wrong." On the Libyan despot, he said: "We restate our position once more: it is impossible to imagine a future for Libya with Gaddafi still in power - he must go."

Mr Obama reassured the British audience he would not wind down American participation in the operation to rein in the Gaddfi regime. He said: "We will continue to oppose the use of violence against protesters and any efforts to silence those who yearn for freedom and dignity and basic human rights - that's one of the reasons we are working together in Libya alongside our Nato allies.

"We will continue those operations until Gaddafi's attacks on civilians cease. Time is working against Gaddafi and he must step down from power and leave Libya to the Libyan people."
Earlier Mr Obama took a place at the Cabinet table today as Mr Cameron hailed the "living-working partnership" of Britain and America.

In an unusual honour, the President and his officials were allowed to use the Cabinet room for talks. Huge crowds of Londoners turned out to cheer the President as his motorcade swept through the capital.

Mr Cameron strode out to greet his visitor as the presidential car turned into Downing Street from Buckingham Palace. After 20 minutes of one-on-one talks they were joined by Nick Clegg who told Mr Obama: "You've brought the sun today." After the news conference, Mr Obama headed to Westminster Hall to make a speech to MPs and peers.

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