Blair and Bush hold crisis talks on Iraq

US president George W Bush and British prime minister Tony Blair have held crisis talks on Iraq.

The coalition talks at Camp David follow the rejection of military action by China, Russia and France on Friday.

This meeting may signify the beginning of preparations for a military assault on Iraq.

Although US president George W Bush has requested that the UN set a deadline for the return of weapons inspectors to Iraq, it is widely believed this is not his favoured option.

Many political observers in America, including former US attorney general Ramsey Clarke and ex-president Bill Clinton, are counselling against strikes on Saddam Hussein.

Leaders in Russia, China and France universally planned the idea of military action against Iraq in talks with Mr Bush on Friday.

However, Tony Blair has said the US shoud not be forced to stand alone against Saddam Hussein.

Mr Blair has also said the Iraqi leader must be tackled – one way or another.

Support in Britain for such action is wavering and many MP’s are calling for a parliamentary debate on the issue.