21/02/2005

President Bush emphasises Middle East peace in speech

President George W. Bush has emphasised the importance of peace in the Middle East in a speech in Brussels.

The President, who begins a five-day European visit today, described achieving peace in the Middle East as "our greatest opportunity and our immediate goal".

President Bush also attempted to heal the rift over the controversial war in Iraq by calling on European nations to support the new Iraqi government. He said that it was time for "the established democracies to give tangible political, economic and security assistance to the world's newest democracy."

President Bush said that all countries "now have an interest in the success of a free and democratic Iraq, which will fight terror, be a beacon of freedom and be a source of true stability in the region."

The President also sought to stress the importance of an alliance between Europe and the US, saying "our strong friendship is essential to peace and prosperity across the globe -- and no temporary debate, no passing disagreement of governments, no power on earth will ever divide us."

The President is due to have dinner with French President Jacques Chirac later this evening. He will hold meetings with Prime Minister Tony Blair, Ukrainian and Italian leaders and EU leaders tomorrow, before travelling to Germany to meet with Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder in Mainz. He is also expected to meet with US troops in Wiesbaden during his visit. He will then travel to the Slovak capital of Bratislava, where he will give a speech and meet with Russian President, Vladimir Putin.

(KmcA)








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