US President George W. Bush will hold a much-anticipated press conference tonight, the White House has announced.
However, spokesman Mr Ari Fleischer urged reporters not to expect a declaration of war on Iraq at the briefing, which takes place at 8.00 p.m. (1.00 a.m. Irish time).
Amid steadfast opposition to that measure from veto-wielders France, Russia and China, as well as from council members Germany and Syria, Mr Fleischer said Washington was open to modifying the text.
"Nothing is set in stone," he said. "But it's a news conference and you should not think deeper than that."
Mr Bush's last formal press conference - excluding his frequent public appearances with world leaders, when he often takes a few questions - dates back to November 7th.
"This is a news conference, not a scheduled announcement of anything. It's an opportunity for people to ask questions and for the president to discuss what's on his mind," said Mr Fleischer.
The president will take questions in the ornate East Room of the White House.
The decision to hold the press conference came as Washington ramped up pressure on the UN Security Council to approve a new resolution paving the way for military action to disarm and oust Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.
AFP