U.S. President George Bush is in Japan for the annual meeting of the Group of Eight leading industrial nations. VOA White House Correspondent Scott Stearns reports, G8 leaders are expected to denounce the re-election of Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe.

President George W. Bush, left, shakes hands with Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda after a joint press conference at the G-8 summit, 06 July 2008 in the lakeside resort of Toyako, Japan

"At recent summits, G8 countries have made pledges to help developing nations address challenges from health care to education to corruption. Now we need to show the world that the G8 can be accountable for its promises and deliver results," Mr. Bush said.

White House officials say the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, and Canada are expected to strongly condemn President Mugabe’s re-election as Zimbabwe’s main opposition leader dropped out of last month’s vote because of attacks against his supporters.

Climate change and higher food prices are on the G8 agenda. Mr. Bush is expected to meet separately with the leaders of Japan, Russia, Germany India, Brazil, China, and South Korea.

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates has expressed concern about the continuing ease with which insurgents based in Pakistan are able to cross into Afghanistan, and welcomed the plan the Pakistani government announced Wednesday to try to change the situation. VOA’s Al Pessin reports from the Pentagon.

Robert Gates, 26 Jun 2008

"Regional Command-East has been a success story. But clearly the ability of the Taliban and other insurgents to cross that border and not being under any pressure from the Pakistani side of the border is clearly a concern. I think that needs to be addressed with the Pakistani government," he said.

Earlier this week, the new U.S. commander in Eastern Afghanistan, Major General Jeffrey Schloesser, said attacks in his area were up 40 percent during the first five months of the year, compared to the same period last year. He also said the attacks are more complex, and are sometimes aimed at schools and development projects, with the apparent goal of discrediting the Afghan government.

Secretary Gates acknowledged the problem, and welcomed a statement Wednesday by Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, announcing a new initiative to get control of the border area.

"In some measure, the challenges that we’re facing in Afghanistan, in RC-South and RC-East are, as I say, in some measure, a result of the relaxation of pressure on the Pakistani side of the border. And my hope is that the prime minister’s statement indicates a willingness to reassert that pressure," he said. RC stands for Regional Command.

Secretary Gates says the United States will pursue the issue with the Pakistani government.