Obama, Romney to have lunch at White HouseNovember 28, 2012 - 22:05 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S. President Barack Obama is to have lunch at the White House on Thursday, Nov 29, with defeated Republican election rival Mitt Romney, officials have confirmed, according to BBC News. The face-to-face will be their first meeting since Obama overcame Romney in the Nov 6 election. On election night Obama pledged to meet the former Massachusetts governor for talks on how to "move this country forward". The pair sparred in a bitter campaign and are said to have little rapport. Over the course of three presidential debates, Obama and Romney interrupted each other frequently and sniped aggressively over policy and principle. However, they are now to meet in the private dining room at the White House, and the press will not be permitted to cover the lunch, the White House said on Wednesday. The meeting comes as Obama and the Democrats negotiate with congressional Republicans over the impending "fiscal cliff" - a combination of tax rises and spending cuts set to occur on 1 January. The measures were partly put in place within a 2011 deal to curb the yawning U.S. budget deficit, but also include the expiration of Bush-era tax cuts for all Americans. During the campaign, Romney called for sharp spending and tax cuts to fix the deficit. Obama insists the wealthy should pay more in taxes. Romney has dropped out of sight since the election, and analysts say he has little influence on congressional Republicans. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Pasadena to host Armenian Genocide commemoration event The Pasadena Armenian Coalition will host its community-wide Armenian Genocide Commemorative Event. Armenia: Opposition activist transferred to Investigative Committee Activist Samvel Vardanyan has been accused of insulting the lawmaker Hakob Aslanyan from the ruling Civil Contract party. Former Pashinyan envoy urges end to Genocide speculation Marukyan has urged authorities in Armenia stop discussions about verifying the names of 1.5 million victims. Azerbaijan, Jordan sign deal on defense cooperation Azerbaijan and Jordan have signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of defense, according to an official statement. |