WASHINGTON–The Obama campaign can’t control leaks coming out about his upcoming international trip from foreign capitals. The latest, according to an Agence France Presse report is that presumptive Democratic nominee Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) will meet with French President Nicolas Sarkozy on July 25. The Monday Der Spiegel online reports that Obama will be in Berlin on July 24 but German officials “with Angela Merkel’s Chancellery are reserved about the prospects of a speech at the famous Brandenburg Gate.”
“The Brandenburg Gate is the most famous and history-rich site in Germany,” the Chancellery source said. In the past, the location has only been used on very special occasions for political speeches by world leaders. And it has been reserved for use only by elected American presidents, not candidates. The decision on whether the Democrat can speak at the location ultimately lies with the Berlin state government,” Der Spiegel reported.
As noted in earlier blog, the Israeli press is reporting that Obama will be in Israel on July 22 or 23. And as reported in another previous blog, German sources and outlets say Obama is mulling a speech in front of the famous Brandenburg Gate during the last two weeks of July. Obama is also visiting Jordan and England on the swing. He will also be traveling Iraq and Afghanistan.
from AFP….
PARIS (AFP)–French President Nicolas Sarkozy is expected to welcome U.S. presidential contender Barack Obama to the Elysee Palace on July 25, a source from the French presidency said Monday.