Upbeat Bush moves to embrace Europe

AN upbeat George W Bush last night attempted to turn a page in the transatlantic relationship following four years of mainly ill-tempered contact.

After a day of meetings with EU leaders and NATO, the US President appeared to rule out a US attack on Iran and publicly gave his support to the EU-led negotiations with the Iranians on their nuclear programme.

A number of measures to cement a new phase in the relationship are being discussed, including a celebration of the 10th anniversary this year of the EU/US Agenda and its possible updating or upgrading.