Bush avoids false Iraq claims issue

US President George W Bush yesterday ducked questions over a White House admission that he used flawed intelligence on Iraq’s nuclear programme, while insisting he was right to oust Saddam Hussein.

Mr Bush, in South Africa on the second leg of his African tour, faced reporters for the first time since the White House admitted on Tuesday he had overstated Iraq’s alleged efforts to procure uranium. But he deflected a question on whether he regretted highlighting the allegation in his State of the Union address in January.

“There is no doubt in my mind that Saddam Hussein was a threat to the world peace and there is no doubt in my mind the United States along with our allies and friends did the right thing in removing him from power,” Mr Bush said. “I am absolutely confident in the decision I made.”