G-8 Summit Comes To Frederick County

George Wenschhof

Frederick, Maryland

President Obama will host members of the G-8, minus Russian President Vladimir Putin, at Camp David on Friday and Saturday.

Initially dubbed the Shangri-La presidential retreat by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, it is nestled in the remote Catoctin mountains located in northwestern Frederick County, Maryland.  It was renamed Camp David by President Dwight Eisenhower.

At first, the local news media has focused on possible demonstrations by various "Occupy" groups which may take place in the nearby towns of Thurmont and The City of Frederick. However, Camp David, as a result of its location and purpose will be secure. Adjacent parks, Catoctin Mountain and Cunningham Falls will also be closed during the summit, according to the National Park Service.

President Obama will chair the conference and the theme is "Acting Together". 

From "About Camp David"; Participants will be: Canada: Prime Minister Stephen Harper; France: President François Hollande; Germany: Chancellor Angela Merkel; Italy: Prime Minister Mario Monti; Japan: Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda; Russia: Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev; United Kingdom: Prime Minister David Cameron; European Union: President Herman Van Rompuy, and Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso."

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on May 9th that he will be unable to attend the G8 Summit and will send Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev instead.

The European Union, a full member of the G-8 has issued a press release, which can be read in full here. 

President José Manuel Barroso said: "I look forward to this next G8 meeting in Camp David. The EU will come to the G8 with a clear message: Europe is determined to stay the course, as it pursues its comprehensive strategy to exit the crisis and return to growth. A twin-track approach of sound public finances and growth-boosting measures are the key ingredients of our response. This is the only way to restore confidence. We will also discuss climate and energy, food security and topical international issues, such as Afghanistan and the Arab Spring. The EU is taking decisive action to foster sustainable development, increase agricultural resilience and reduce poverty, promoting democratic values and the rule of law and enhancing international stability. The EU is ready to rise to global challenges with responsibility and solidarity, in the G8 and beyond."

Stay Tuned...

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