BRITAIN: British Prime Minister Mr Tony Blair yesterday dismissed talk of an early "exit strategy" for coalition forces in Iraq, while Foreign Secretary Mr Jack Straw signalled more British troops will be sent if required.
The defiant message from government came as anti-war demonstrators prepared to depict President Bush as a "war criminal" during what they predict will be the largest-ever demonstration against a visiting head of state in London next week.
CND volunteers are preparing the hard-hitting banners and posters showing Mr Bush in a police-style photofit over the caption: "Warning. War Criminal On the Loose in the UK." And they say continuing controversy and doubt about the route for Thursday's planned march on Trafalgar Square has fuelled public interest and support, amid predictions that as many as 100,000 could take to the streets, spelling a security nightmare for British and American security chiefs.
Mr Andy Trotter, deputy assistant commander of the Metropolitan Police, again insisted police would accommodate peaceful protest during Mr Bush's three-day visit.
All police leave has been cancelled and an estimated 5,000 officers will be on duty in the capital. Fears that a minority might be intent on provoking violence have been fuelled by reports that anarchist groups are encouraging protesters to "test" the security around the perimeter of Buckingham Palace, where President and Mrs Bush are expected to stay at least two nights as guests of Queen Elizabeth.
Again signalling that the president could come face-to-face with protesters, Mr Trotter said: "We want to keep road closures to an absolute minimum, and we will reopen them quickly afterwards so that London can go about its business, the demonstrators can make their point and President Bush can have a successful visit."
Mr Blair came unde renewed pressure last night to resolve the position of British prisoners held at Guantanamo Bay "in accordance with accepted principles of domestic law and a recognition of human rights."
Liberal Democrat spokesman Mr Menzies Campbell also said the consequence of coalition failure in Iraq now would be disastrous. "The country would descend into chaos and civil war and there would be a real risk of its dismemberment."
Responding to reports of an accelerated US "exit strategy" in Iraq, Mr Blair's spokesman insisted: "Our exit strategy is exactly the same today as it was on day one. That is, namely, a free and prosperous Iraq. We will stay until the job is done."