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Obamas hug Queen, praise Lula at G-20 |
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Written by Thiago Mattos
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Saturday, 04 April 2009 |
At the G-20 Summit this past week in London, world leaders agreed upon a $1 trillion package to tackle the global economic crisis, though other highlights of the meeting also drew the world’s attention and criticism.
The controversy arose after a reception in Buckingham Palace...For instance, when Michelle Obama put her arm around the untouchable Queen Elizabeth II, it caused a sensation in the American and, especially, British media.
The controversy arose after a reception in Buckingham Palace, when the First Lady slipped her arm around the Queen. The Queen reciprocated.
According to so-called protocol, touching the Queen is prohibited, although Her Majesty can touch her guests. Times Online, the Telegraph and other British media outlets seemed to be bothered by the breach. However, CNN's Richard Quest, an Englishman, reports that there isn't any protocol at all for leaders meeting with British monarchs. Additionally, a spokesman for Buckingham Palace explained, "It was a mutual and spontaneous display of affection ... We don't issue instructions on not touching the Queen," according to Time.
Another remarkable scene was recorded by BBC: President Obama praised Brazilian President Luis Inácio Lula da Silva before a meeting, saying, “He is my man! I love this guy! He’s the most popular politician on Earth.” He continued, “This is because he’s good looking”.
Whether Obama loves Lula or Lula truly is the most popular president on Earth is hard to know, but “good looking”? Watch the video and decide for yourself.
[Times Online, Telegraph, CNN, BBC]
Thiago Mattos, a TheSequitur.com Editorial Board member-at-large and a journalism student in Brazil, writes about Brazilian and world issues in his blog, Sangue de Barata.
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