BEIJING-The two-day visit to Washington has been heavy for British Prime Minister Gordon Brown as
he attempts to improve ties with Washington and promote his international image ahead of the upcoming G-20
economic summit in London.
Special Relationship
Brown had been praising the "special relationship" between Britain and the United States before he traveled
to Washington. "There is no international partnership in recent history that has served the world better than
the special relationship between Britain and the United States," Brown said in an article in The Sunday Times
of London. Such enthusiasm was quickly responded by Barak Obama, the new leader of the world"s largest
economy. "The special relationship between the United States and Great Britain is one that is not just important
to me, it is important to the American people," told reporters after meeting with Brown.
Brown was the first European leader to meet Obama at the White House, and this might help the British
leader make his image smooth among countrymen in a turbulent (动荡) time and put him in a better position to
appear side by side with Obama at the April G-20 summit that will consider the international economic crisis.
Global New Deal
The talks between Brown and Obama were expected to focus mainly on measures to jump-start
international economic growth in the most serious downturn in decades. Brown will first promote his "goal
new deal" with Obama before taking the G-20 talks. The prime minister, who is chairing the G-20 gathering,
has said he would push for deep adjustable changes and joint efforts from all of the world"s major economies,
developed and developing, to correct financial rules and inspire the global economy.
However, as pointed out by many analysts, there is the potential for bitterness between Britain and the
United States. That"s because no small number of Britons believe themselves to be victims of a crisis which
they say was set off by the United States. Meanwhile, analysts say it was unrealistic to expect another
honeymoon for British-US ties as Obama seems to have attached more importance to the Pacific region than
to Europe.
New Jersey Today: Considerably cloudy with showers likely. High: 75-79. Southwesterly winds at 15-20m.p.h.. Precipitation (降水) probability 70 percent. Tonight: Warm and cloudy, rain likely. Low: 55-63. Southwesterly winds at 15 to 20m.p.h.. Tomorrow: Showers and thunderstorms likely. High: 75-79. Wind S to SW at 15 to 20m.p.h. |
阅读理解。 |
BBC News (May 11, 2008)-Edinburgh Zoo plans to bring a pair of giant pandas from China to Scotland. Representatives from Edinburgh Zoo have recently returned from China. They signed a letter of intent (意向 书) there, making a promise to bring giant pandas to the Zoo. It has been suggested that the pair of giant pandas should be on loan (暂借) to the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) for 10 years. The pair of giant pandas would give birth to babies during that time. Edinburgh Zoo would be the eighth zoo in the Western world to care for the species if the project goes ahead. Zoo chiefs said that looking after the endangered animals could benefit conservation. David Windmill, chief of RZSS, said, "Working with giant pandas means so much more to us than introducing a new species to our collection. It is an opportunity to work on a global level with other conservationists to gain a better understanding of the giant pandas, the threats they face, and what we can do to ensure their survival." At present, there are only around 1,500 giant pandas in the wild. RZSS has been working on the project for almost a year, hoping to have giant pandas at Edinburgh Zoo by 2009, the year of the society"s centenary (一百 周年纪念日). Mr. Windmill said that the project has received strong support from the UK and Scottish Governments. He also said that this must continue if the Zoo is to reach an agreement with the Chinese. As part of the agreement with the Chinese Government, Edinburgh Zoo will work together with Chinese scientists on research projects benefiting conservation in the wild. RZSS will also provide money to support giant panda conservation projects in the wild. Giant pandas live in mountainous regions in central China and almost mainly feed on bamboo, which makes up 99% of what they eat. |
1. What do we know from the first two paragraphs? |
[ ] |
A. China will give a pair of giant pandas to Edinburgh Zoo. B. Representatives from Edinburgh Zoo have been to China. C. The Scottish Government has signed a letter of intent with China. D. Edinburgh Zoo is the first Western zoo to have giant pandas. |
2. According to the text, RZSS may be _____. |
[ ] |
A. a company that deals with international business B. an organization that researches endangered animals C. a government department in charge of Western issues D. an activity having something to do with animals |
3. We can know from the text that _____. |
[ ] |
A. David Windmill is Edinburgh Zoo"s chief B. the number of giant pandas in the wild is still unknown C. RZSS will celebrate its centenary in 2009 D. RZSS knows the threats the giant pandas face well |
4. What"s the main idea of the text? |
[ ] |
A. Edinburgh Zoo expects giant pandas from China. B. Edinburgh Zoo does research into giant pandas. C. Scotland supports giant panda conservation. D. Giant pandas live happily in central China. |