Leaders gather for G20 summit

BBC Learning English
Words in the News
1st April 2009
Leaders gather for G20 summit


Words in the News © British Broadcasting Corporation 2009
Page 1 of 2
bbclearningenglish.com

London is hosting high level meetings between some of the world's most powerful leaders
today, in a final effort to find common ground ahead of tomorrow's G20 summit. Our
diplomatic correspondent Bridget Kendall reports:

The stakes are high and rarely have so many powerful leaders gathered in one place to try to
forge a common position. Although all agree united action is needed, with only a day to go
before the G20 summit, cracks are beginning to emerge, as different countries push their
own priorities. France's President Sarkozy has even threatened to walk out if the tough
financial regulation he wants is watered down. Perhaps it's pre-summit bluster - more may
become clear at his joint press conference this afternoon with the German Chancellor, Angela
Merkel.

She's again shown her irritation at American calls for a global increase in spending to jump-
start growth. China is holding out for increased clout in institutions like the IMF, and
Russia backs any change that will dilute American influence.

Today's pre-summit meetings include President Obama's first face to face encounters with
the Russian and Chinese Presidents where all are hoping for a fresh start. And getting off on
the right foot with the new American President is high on everyone's priority. His officials
say he wants to listen as well as lead in London. Gordon Brown will be hoping the Obama
charm will be enough to save his summit from disappointment.

Bridget Kendall, BBC News, London


Words in the news © British Broadcasting Corporation 2009
Page 2 of 2
bbclearningenglish.com

Vocabulary and definitions

The stakes are high a lot depends on the outcome of these meetings
to forge to make or produce (something difficult)
cracks are beginning to
emerge
problems are starting to become obvious
watered down when an idea or opinion is intentionally made to appear
less important, usually so other people will be more likely
to accept it (similar meaning to 'dilute')
pre-summit bluster someone speaking in an angry and argumentative way
(with little effect) prior to the summit starting
to jump-start growth to try to make the economy grow (quickly and suddenly)
holding out waiting until they get what they want
increased clout more power and influence
face to face encounters meetings in person
getting off on the right foot beginning a relationship in the right way, making a good
impression

More on this story: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7975851.stm

Read and listen to the story and the vocabulary online:
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