Laura Bush has canceled plans to accompany the president on next month's trip to Australia, citing a pinched nerve, her office announced Sunday from Crawford, Texas.
President Bush is due to arrive in Sydney on Sept. 4, three days before he participates in the Sept. 7-9 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation annual leaders summit being held there, according to Australian Prime Minister John Howard. Bush is to have bilateral talks with Howard and take part in a state visit to Australia before the start of the summit.
The first lady injured a nerve in her neck and shoulder earlier this year while hiking and has been treated with physical therapy since, her press secretary, Sally McDonough, said.