White House defends Obama meeting with Gabon leader

[The Northerner]

WASHINGTON — The White House defended President Barack Obama's decision to meet Gabon's President Ali Bongo at the White House on Thursday, despite corruption accusations made against his visitor.

"Gabon is holding a rotating presidency of the UN Security Council. It's an important position," White House spokesman Jay Carney said, when asked if the invitation to Bongo was appropriate.

"Gabon has voted in ways that we consider very helpful on issues like Cote d'Ivoire, Libya and Iran. It's been an important ally in our efforts in those countries through the United Nations," said Carney.

"So, yes, we do think it is appropriate for the president to meet with the leader of Gabon."

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