THE US: US President Bush has asked congressional leaders to come to the White House today to discuss US efforts to topple Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, congressional aides said.
Top Republicans and Democrats in the House of Representatives and the Senate will attend the meeting.
The meeting is being held as speculation grows that Mr Bush may be readying military action against Iraq, which he accuses of developing weapons of mass destruction.
The White House said Mr Bush has not made a decision on how to proceed against Saddam and has promised to consult with members of Congress and key allies.
"The president said he would consult with the members of the Hill about the topic of security, about Iraq, about the war on terror," said White House spokesman Mr Ari Fleischer. "This is part of the president reaching out and consulting."
A Democratic aide said yesterday the White House meeting should help "clarify the administration's position on Iraq, particularly on arms inspections".
Meanwhile, Defence Secretary Mr Donald Rumsfeld said Iraq was not likely to allow a thorough inspection of its programme to develop weapons of mass destruction, even to avoid a US attack.
"I haven't seen any indication on their part to agree to anything, except as a ploy from time to time," Mr Rumsfeld said, adding that ousting Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein remains the goal of US policy.
"There might be inspections. The inspections might be this, that or the other thing. And then you'll find, at the last moment, they'll withdraw that carrot or that opportunity and go back into their other mode of thumbing their nose at the international community."
Washington insists Iraq has continued to pursue nuclear, chemical and biological weapons but has so far refused to provide proof.
Mr Rumsfeld said it was up to President Bush to decide whether to release any information when he decides what to do with Saddam.