WASHINGTON, Dec. 4 - George W. Bush kicked off his last Christmas season as president of the United States by lighting the national Christmas tree in Washington Thursday.

"Today we celebrate the 85th anniversary of the National Christmas Tree lighting," Bush said in brief remarks. "In times of calm, and in times of challenge, Americans have gathered for this ceremony. The simple story we remember during the season speaks to every generation."

Washington  - US President George W Bush has condemned Wednesday's series of terrorist attacks in the Indian city of Mumbai, which have killed at least 101 people, and said that the US "stands ready to assist and support the Indian government."

"The United States condemns this terrorist attack and we will continue to stand with the people of India in this time of tragedy," White House press secretary Dana Perino said. "President Bush offers his condolences to the Indian people and the families of the innocent civilians killed and injured in the attacks."

Washington - US President George W Bush will participate in his last scheduled summit this weekend, bidding farewell to a group of East Asian and Latin American nations at a gathering in Peru.

Despite Bush's unpopularity abroad, he leaves office with some successes in relationships across the Pacific, including a period of stability and maintaining the status quo in China-Taiwan relations and of building ties with Vietnam.

Washington- US President George W Bush greeted leaders from the world's 20 top economies on Saturday for an historic summit aimed at stabilizing the financial system and halting a global economic slide.

Bush, in a brief statement, said he was pleased with the early results after leaders held a working dinner Friday night, but again warned against nations restricting free markets and trade as a result of the financial crisis.

Washington- US President George W Bush greeted leaders from the world's 20 top economies on Saturday for an historic summit aimed at stabilizing the financial system and halting a global economic slide.

Bush said he was pleased with the early results after leaders held a working dinner at the White House Friday night, but again warned nations against restricting free markets and trade as a result of the financial crisis.

Melbourne, Nov 15 : US President George W Bush greeted world leaders with big smiles and pats on the back, but Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd had to make do with a brief handshake and a relatively stony face as the pair posed for photographers and TV crews.

It was the first time the pair have met in person since the controversial leaking of a phone conversation between both men last month, the Daily Telegraph reported.

The normally gregarious Bush gave Rudd a very business-like greeting at the entry to the White House.