US, British Leaders to Meet Next Week: US Officials

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Saturday, April 05, 2003

US, British Leaders to Meet Next Week: US Officials

US President George W. Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair plan to meet next week in Northern Ireland to discuss issues ranging from the ongoing Iraq war, to the Middle East conflict and peace in Northern Ireland, White House officials said Friday.

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US President George W. Bush andBritish Prime Minister Tony Blair are expected to meet in NorthernIreland next week with a focus on the ongoing war in Iraq, the White House announced.

"The president ... will depart for Northern Ireland, where he will consult with Prime Minister Blair. The president will depart on Monday, April 7th and return to the United States on Tuesday, April 8th," spokesman Ari Fleischer said at a news briefing.

He said the summit, the third of its kind in as many weeks, will focus on the ongoing Iraq war, including the status of the ongoing military operation, the humanitarian relief efforts, reconstruction, and the possible role of the United Nations.

Fleischer said that the peace process in Northern Ireland and the subject of the Middle East will also come up in the summit to be held near Belfast.

But he refused to clarify whether the two leaders will officially release the much-awaited Middle East "roadmap" peace proposal.

Asked whether Bush and Blair will discuss any peace proposal with Iraq, the spokesman ruled out such possibility.

"The mission is the mission. Mission will be completed with the disarmament of Saddam Hussein's regime and with the regime being changed," he said, adding that there is no peace proposal being considered.

Agencies reports said that Secretary of State Colin Powell, who just returned from a trip to Turkey and Europe, will also accompany Bush on the trip to Northern Ireland.

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