Bush seeks EU backing for Mideast peace plans

US PRESIDENT George W Bush urged Europe yesterday to move past Iraq war divisions and work together to advance Middle East peace and put pressure on Russia to renew its commitment to democracy.

"Together we can once again set history on a hopeful course," Mr Bush said in a keynote speech in Brussels, home of the EU and NATO, pledging to work in partnership with Europe in contrast to the much-criticised go-it-alone thrust of his first term in office.

The speech, on the first day of a European tour, set the tone for his first trip to the continent since his second term began last month.