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Air Force One lands
08/07/2003 22:41 - (SA)
Willem Jordaan and Jan-Jan Joubert , Beeld
Pretoria - President George W Bush from America touched down aboard Air Force One at Waterkloof air force base just before 23:00 on Tuesday.
Bush left the Senegalese capital of Dakar on Tuesday for the second leg of his African safari to five countries.
He will meet with several West African leaders to discuss war-torn Liberia, where Washington has been asked to intervene.
Bush said he would co-operate with African countries to restore peace in Liberia. The country was formed by American slaves.
No decision has been taken yet on how America would become involved.
Without apologising for America's own role in the practise, Bush declared slavery as "a sin" and added that thousands of Americans shared his view.
Bush, who will meet President Thabo Mbeki on Wednesday, is accompanied by a contingent of at least 600 security staff, doctors, chefs, communications technicians and American journalists.
Protocol
His inner-circle of confidants is also accompanying him on the tour.
They include Foreign Secretary Colin Powell, National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice, Chief of Staff at the Whitehouse Andrew Card and Deputy Foreign Secretary for Africa
Walter Kansteiner.
Billy Modise, head of protocol, accompanied Bush from Air Force One to Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, who welcomed him.
Although South African and American diplomats maintained a stiff upper-lip in the run-up to the visit, a number of disputes arose, ranging from the administrative and security arrangements to the official agenda for the visit.
Widespread concerns were raised that Bush and Mbeki would talk at cross-purposes, because America has thus far focussed on Zimbabwe and other political issues, while South Africa would rather talk about the economy and improved access to markets.
Duck and ostrich
A dinner with business and political leaders is also on the programme. The menu boasts clear duck and ostrich soup as an entrée, rack of Karoo lamb with a herb and garlic crust, garden vegetables and mashed potatoes as a main course and raspberry cheesecake, coffee and pastries to round off the meal.
The wines, which Bush will not taste, are Glen Carlon Chardonnay 2001 and Warwick Trilogy 2000. The American president is a teetotaller.
Meanwhile, diplomatic staff are pulling out all the stops to ensure that the reception of Bush and his enormous entourage goes off without a hitch.
The entourage include the transport agency that is bringing the presidential motor cavalcade to South Africa and the presidential culinary service that supervises all meals prepared for Bush.
The White House communication agency will ensure that the president has secure communication channels available, even high up in the clouds on Air Force One. This agency is also responsible for video taping of all Bush's public appearances.
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