The State Department insisted today that US President George W Bush had still not come to a decision on military intervention in Iraq amid a growing chorus of opposition to possible plans to move pre-emptively against Saddam Hussein.
Spokesman Mr Richard Boucher said the US would continue to consult with its friends and allies about how to deal with the threat posed by Iraq, despite the perception that Mr Bush has already decided to use force to oust Saddam.
"We're making clear every day in our press briefings, as well as our statements to other governments, that the president at this point has not made a decision," Mr Boucher told reporters.
"The president (has) made clear we'll continue to talk to other governments and consult with them, hear their views, as he decides how to go forward," he said.
"Everybody understands that there is a problem, the question is how to deal with it."
Mr Boucher's comments came as opposition to a possible strike against Iraq mounted abroad, particularly in Europe and the Middle East, in reaction to strong remarks made on the subject on Monday by Vice President Mr Dick Cheney.
Mr Cheney's remarks, in which he laid out the case for pre-emptive military action to oust Saddam, coupled with a recent series of other tough statements by senior US officials, have been widely interpreted as a sign that Bush has made up his mind to attack Iraq.
AFP