Bush decries efforts to block war plans

U.S. President Bush said on Monday that France's efforts to block Nato consensus on preparations for war in Iraq were "shortsighted" and would "affect the alliance in a negative way."

"I don't understand that decision," Bush said of action by France, Belgium and Germany to reject Nato efforts to begin planning for joint protection of Turkey in the event of war with Iraq. "I am disappointed that France would block Nato from helping a country like Turkey prepare."

Bush spoke after a White House meeting with Australian Prime Minister John Howard, who strongly supports what he called Bush's "strong leadership" to disarm Iraq.

In unspoken but clear contrast to his feelings about French President Jacques Chirac, Bush described Howard as a "man of clear vision who sees the threats the free world faces."

In a speech that was rich in religious references, Bush told the broadcasters that among the reasons terrorists hate the United States is that "we can worship the Almighty God the way we see fit."

Charging that Iraqi President Saddam Hussain had positioned troops in population centers to blame the United States for civilian casualties in the event of war, Bush said that U.S. forces would act "in the highest moral traditions of our country. We will try in every way we can to spare innocent life."

"We owe it to future generations of Americans and citizens in freedom-loving countries to see to it that Mr. Saddam Hussain is disarmed," he said.

As a Washington Post-ABC News poll indicated a majority of Americans now support military action even without UN approval, provided key allies such as Britain and Australia participate, Bush said after his meeting with Howard that he understood reluctance to go to war.

"I'm the person who hugs the widows and the mothers if a son or husband dies," he said. "But the risks of doing nothing far outweigh the risks of doing what it takes to disarm Saddam Hussain."s