VOA常速英语2007年-Bush Hosts German Chancellor Merkel at Texas Ra

By Scott Stearns
Washington
10 November 2007

President Bush is hosting German Chancellor¹ Angela Merkel at his Texas ranch². VOA White House Correspondent Scott Stearns reports, the two leaders are expected to discuss Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan.

The president and Mrs. Bush welcomed Chancellor Merkel and her husband to their central Texas ranch with a meal of pecan-smoked tenderloin, sautéed mushrooms, and green chili³ and cheese grits⁴ soufflé.

President Bush says he is looking forward to constructive⁵ talks Saturday and a chance to relax and visit. Chancellor Merkel thanked the president and First Lady for their invitation and said their ranch has a wonderful atmosphere.

U.S. National Security Council Spokesman Gordon Johndroe says the two leaders are expected to discuss Kosovo, Burma, and Iran.

"They will discuss the need for Iran to suspend its nuclear activity as well as discuss the importance of remaining committed to Afghanistan. President Bush notes Chancellor Merkel's recent trip to Afghanistan and appreciates the German troop contribution there and urges our NATO allies to continue to help the Afghan people as they rebuild their country and fight extremism there," he said.

Johndroe says the president and chancellor will also discuss the need for elections in Lebanon free from Syrian interference as well as climate change and world trade talks.

He says Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will brief Chancellor Merkel on her recent trip to the Middle East and talks with Israeli and Palestinian leaders on a planned peace conference in Annapolis, Maryland that could come later this month.

Johndroe says the German leader knows that a stable and secure Iraq is in the interest of the entire world and the two leaders will discuss efforts at political reconciliation⁶ within the government in Baghdad.

President Bush and Chancellor Merkel will take questions from reporters following their Saturday talks.

1 chancellor   

n.(英)大臣；法官；(德、奥)总理；大学校长

参考例句：

• They submitted their reports to the Chancellor yesterday.他们昨天向财政大臣递交了报告。
• He was regarded as the most successful Chancellor of modern times.他被认为是现代最成功的财政大臣。

2 ranch   

n.大牧场，大农场

参考例句：

• He went to work on a ranch.他去一个大农场干活。
• The ranch is in the middle of a large plateau.该牧场位于一个辽阔高原的中部。

3 chili   

n.辣椒

参考例句：

• He helped himself to another two small spoonfuls of chili oil.他自己下手又加了两小勺辣椒油。
• It has chocolate,chili,and other spices.有巧克力粉，辣椒，和其他的调味品。

4 grits   

n.粗磨粉；粗面粉；粗燕麦粉；粗玉米粉；细石子，砂粒等( grit的名词复数 )；勇气和毅力v.以沙砾覆盖（某物），撒沙砾于( grit的第三人称单数 )；咬紧牙关

参考例句：

• The sands [grits] in the cooked rice made my tooth ache. 米饭里的砂粒硌痛了牙。 来自辞典例句
• This process also produces homing and corn grits. 此法也产生玉米麸(homing)和玉米粗粉。 来自辞典例句

5 constructive   

adj.建设的，建设性的

参考例句：

• We welcome constructive criticism.我们乐意接受有建设性的批评。
• He is beginning to deal with his anger in a constructive way.他开始用建设性的方法处理自己的怒气。

6 reconciliation   

n.和解，和谐，一致

参考例句：

• He was taken up with the reconciliation of husband and wife.他忙于做夫妻间的调解工作。
• Their handshake appeared to be a gesture of reconciliation.他们的握手似乎是和解的表示。