Bush urges European aid in Iraq

LONDON -- President Bush urged Europe on Wednesday to put aside bitter war disagreements with the United States and work to build democracy in Iraq or risk turning the nation over to terrorists. Anti-war demonstrators mobilized for a march of tens of thousands today.

Bush conceded in a speech that deep differences remain over Iraq, even among staunch war allies, the United States and Britain.

But, he asserted, "we did not charge hundred of miles into the heart of Iraq and pay a bitter cost of casualties and liberate 25 million people only to retreat before a band of thugs and assassins."

His speech followed an elegant welcoming ceremony with Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace, which included a 41-gun salute and a review of troops on foot and on horseback.

Meanwhile, anti-war protesters made preparations for huge demonstrations against Bush's 3 1/2-day state visit.

Today, Bush meets with British Prime Minister Tony Blair, whose close support of Bush on Iraq has drawn rising public opposition in Britain.

"It really is about time we started to realize who our allies are, who our enemies are, stick with the one and fight the other," Blair told the House of Commons earlier. His remarks drew loud applause.

There were isolated, smaller demonstrations around the city on Wednesday. At one point, as the president's motorcade arrived at Banqueting House for his speech, noisy demonstrators could be seen and easily heard just two blocks away. The demonstrators, held back by police lines, could not be heard inside the hall where Bush spoke.

Bush acknowledged differing views about U.S.-led involvement in postwar Iraq, but said, "Whatever has come before, we now have only two options: To keep our word or to break our word."

He was warmly received with applause by about 400 foreign policy experts and invited guests. .

Bush asserted that there are times, as with Saddam Hussein in Iraq, when "the violent restraint of violent men" is justified.

"In some cases, the measured use of force is all that protects us from a chaotic world ruled by force," he said.

Bush said he still strongly supports international organizations, like the United Nations, which he bypassed in going to war in Iraq. But he said the United Nations must be willing to enforce its own demands -- or lose its relevancy.

Turning to the Middle East, Bush cited several months of "setbacks and frustrations."

He said European leaders "should withdraw all favor and support from any Palestinian leader who fails his people and betrays their cause," an apparent reference to Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.

Bush urged Israel to end the "daily humiliation" of Palestinians and not to undercut peace prospects "with the placements of walls and fences."

Also on Wednesday, Bush met with leaders of Parliament and some relatives of the 67 British victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in the United States.