For Immediate Release
Office of the First Lady
August 26, 2007

Statement by Press Secretary Sally McDonough

Mrs. Laura Bush will not travel with the President, as planned, to Sydney, Australia for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. Mrs. Bush extended her regrets in a telephone conversation yesterday to Mrs. Janette Howard, wife of Prime Minister John Howard.

Mrs. Bush has been treated with physical therapy for a pinched nerve, which she injured while hiking earlier this year.

Her physicians have strongly advised her to not travel overseas in order to avoid potential complication and aggravation by extended long distance travel.

Mrs. Bush's public schedule for the week of August 27, 2007 will remain unchanged.

# # #