Bush postpones trip to Africa

The White House called off George W Bush's planned trip to Africa next month, citing the stand-off with Iraq and a desire to start work on domestic priorities.

The trip would be re-scheduled for later in the year, said White House press secretary Air Fleischer.

The multination trip, which would have been Bush's first to the African continent, was being postponed "due to a combination of domestic and international considerations", he said.

"The president looks forward to visiting Africa in 2003 to continue building America's partnership with the continent and to sharing first-hand with African leaders his commitment to working on issues ranging from the war on terrorism to economic development," Fleischer said.

One senior administration official denied that security was a factor.