Bush seeks Nato backing for stand against Saddam

Admitting seven more former Soviet bloc nations and readying Nato forces for rapid-reaction missions worldwide will make the alliance a credible force in the fight against terrorism, President George Bush said today.

On the eve of a two-day summit in Prague at which seven East European neighbours will be invited to join Nato in 2004, Bush urged the alliance to stand by Washington in “a coalition of the willing” ready to ensure that Iraq disarms.