The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Crawford

US President George W. Bush welcomed German Chancellor Angela Merkel to his Texas ranch for two-day talks on issues like Iran and Afghanistan, with barbecue and maybe a hike on the menu.

Bush and Merkel -- who joined an elite group of world leaders invited to the "Prairie Chapel" property -- were expected to showcase diplomatic efforts to confront Tehran over what the West suspects may be a nuclear weapons program.

"In Texas, when you invite somebody to your home, it's an expression of warmth and respect. And that's how I feel about Chancellor Merkel," said Bush, who he hoped for "constructive talks as well as a chance to relax and visit."

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was to be on hand Saturday to discuss the Middle East peace process, as well as efforts to stabilize Afghanistan, Kosovo's future, pressure on Myanmar, and Lebanon's political crisis.

"I would like to say a very thanks to you, George, for issuing this invitation to us," Merkel said through an interpreter after the helicopter ride that took her to the 850-hectare (1,600-acre) ranch near this flyspeck town.

"Already, a first glance of the area shows us that this is indeed a wonderful place to be in, a wonderful atmosphere. And we have a number of issues that I think we will have now time to discuss," she said.

Ahead of the talks, US officials downplayed fissures between the allies on the US hard line toward Iran and Germany's restrictions on its troops in Afghanistan but also downplayed the likelihood of any breakthroughs.