The coming days: The week ahead

• EUROPEAN UNION leaders are set for an emergency meeting on Monday September 1st to review the block’s relations with Russia in light of the war in Georgia. EU leaders are also likely to discuss new aid for the war-torn regions of Georgia. More strong words of criticism for Russia’s behaviour are expected, but little else, as Europe worries about energy supplies from its vast neighbour. Russia’s government has scored a victory on the home front with its new aggressive foreign policy.

• THE Republican Party holds its four-day national convention in St Paul, Minnesota, beginning on Monday September 1st. As well as the Obama-bashing that most pundits expect, the convention will give John McCain, the Republican presidential nominee, the opportunity to gauge party reaction to his surprising announcement that Sarah Palin will run beside him to become vice-president. Mr McCain wants to distance himself from the current Republican administration, so will be pleased that both George Bush and Dick Cheney are expected to skip the convention because of the probable arrival of hurricane Gustav in New Orleans.
http://gold-report.blogsp...