Obama defends travel as way to solve US worries

Source: Agencies  |   2008-7-27  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

UNITED States presidential contender Barack Obama has defended his decision to travel to Europe and the Middle East, saying that problems encountered by Americans at home are often best dealt with by working with allies overseas.

Obama, who spoke to reporters in London yesterday after wrapping up talks with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, said he wasn't sure if there would be any immediate political impact from the trip - and that he wouldn't be surprised if he had dipped in some polls in the week since he left home.

People in America, he said, are worried about gas prices and home foreclosures.

"The reason that I thought this trip was important is that I am convinced that many issues that we face at home are not going to be solved as effectively unless we have strong partners abroad," he said. "And unless we get a handle on Iraq and Afghanistan, not only are we going to be less safe, but it's also going to be a huge drain on resources."

Obama said he and Brown discussed a wide range of issues, including climate change, terrorism and the financial markets.

"The prime minister's emphasis - like mine - is on how we can strengthen the trans-Atlantic relationship to solve problems that can't be solved by any single country individually," he said.

Obama seemed relaxed as he strolled down to the prime minister's office at 10 Downing St, pausing briefly to shake the hands of two somewhat startled police officers standing near the door.

He turned to television cameras, smiled, waved and said "Hello," before walking into Number 10. Brown greeted him just inside the door.

Pooled TV images showed Brown offering Obama a chair on the terrace before the pair settled down for two hours of talks.