GERMAN DELEGATION TO TALK TRADE HERE

A delegation of American and German political leaders will focus on expanding trade opportunities when it meets today through Friday in Cape Girardeau.

In all, 51 people will attend the 13th annual Congress-Bundestag Seminar, which will be held at the Holiday Inn. Bundestag is the name of Germany's legislature.

The group includes 11 current and former members of the U.S. House and 17 officials of the German government, including Germany's ambassador to the United States, Juergen Chrobog, and Deputy Foreign Minister Dr. Werner Hoyer.

Also in the group are three interpreters and 20 German and American staff members.

The annual seminar is held alternately in the U.S. and Germany.

It marks the first time that the delegation has met somewhere other than on the East Coast when the U.S. has been the host country.

The group decided to meet in Cape Girardeau at the suggestion of U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson, past chairman of the American contingent, the Congressional Study Group on Germany.

"When we first discussed where to hold this year's seminar, members of the German Bundestag personally requested to go somewhere other than the American East Coast," Emerson said.

Emerson suggested his 8th District would be a perfect setting. "They'll get to experience the great Midwest, as well as get a better feel for the rich history and culture situated along the Mississippi River," he said.

"The seminar will focus on how our two countries can continue to expand trade opportunities, create jobs and build our economies, in addition to discussing the similarities and differences between our two governments in foreign affairs and politics," Emerson said.

The Cape Girardeau Republican won't attend; he will remain in Washington to continue undergoing treatment for lung cancer.

The delegation won't spend all its time at the Holiday Inn. It also will tour the German heritage regions of Perry County, cruise the Mississippi River on the Army Corps of Engineer's vessel Mississippi and eat lunch at Lambert's Cafe in Sikeston.

"We want to make sure these American and German officials get a real taste and flavor of our region," Emerson said.