Bush leaves for final summit with European nations

[June 09, 2008]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Bush is on his way to Europe on a farewell trip to major capitals, expressing both concern and long-term confidence in the U.S. economy.

The president left Monday for Slovenia for his final U.S.-European Union Summit. He is also traveling to Germany, Italy, France, England and Northern Ireland.

Bush, in a departure statement, expressed concern about the economy and soaring energy prices. He also said that a strong dollar is in the U.S. interest and the interest of the global economy. The weakness of the dollar has been blamed by some for rising oil costs. Bush said U.S. capital markets are some of the deepest and most liquid, and the long-term health and strong foundation of the U.S. economy will be reflected in currency values.

[Associated Press]

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