Today in Washington (April 15, 2009)

Obama touts economic progress, but warns of hard times ahead
US President Barack Obama on Tuesday cautioned that the nation’s economic difficulties were not over, but said that there were signs of progress in battling the recession.
In a 45-minute speech at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, the president said that more action was needed to both repair the economy and enact sweeping new financial regulations.
Obama said: “By no means are we out of the woods just yet. But from where we stand, for the very first time, we are beginning to see glimmers of hope.”
According to a Gallup poll released on Monday, some 71 percent of Americans say they are confident that Obama will manage the economy properly

White House rejects report of easing nuclear demands with Iran
The White House on Tuesday denied reports that President Barack Obama was considering dropping a key demand that Iran suspend all its nuclear work before entering into negotiations with the international community.
White House spokesperson, Robert Gibbs, told reporters: “This would not be the first time that I’ve stood at this podium and – having read something in the newspaper that I found not to be accurate.”
The New York Times reported yesterday that the United States and its European allies may change track and open talks with Tehran while it continued to enrich uranium for some time.
Gibbs said: “The goal is and remains a suspension of Iran’s illicit nuclear weapons program.”
Tehran rejects Western accusations that it is seeking an atomic bomb, saying its nuclear program has only peaceful aims.