President Bush put allies on notice Thursday that diplomacy will give way to a decision on war in “weeks, not months.” Wary world leaders and congressional critics urged patience and demanded proof of Iraq’s transgressions.
Opening an eleventh-hour campaign to sway a wide array of skeptics, the president said: “For the sake of peace, this issue must be resolved.”
His advisers said Bush will speak with allies through mid-February, when the next UN weapons inspectors’ report is expected to force talks to end.
In a flurry of diplomatic activity, Bush met with Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister, placed calls to leaders of Portugal and Sweden and dispatched advisers throughout Washington to argue his case. Bush also broached the possibility of allowing Iraqi President Saddam Hussein to leave Iraq for a safe haven–all actions aimed at putting pressure on Baghdad and balking U.S. allies.
Abroad, eight European leaders signed a letter supporting Bush. In Jordan, the government agreed to allow U.S. troops in the country.
But the president’s position met resistance from many corners, including Democratic and Republican lawmakers, former South African President Nelson Mandela and the Canadian foreign minister, who said his nation opposed unilateral American action.
“If one state acts by itself, it risks consequences,” Bill Graham said after meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell.
