Bush to defend Iraq invasion in UN speech

US president George Bush will defend his decision to invade Iraq when he addresses the United Nations today, a day after his election challenger John Kerry accused him of lying about the reasons for war.

Mr Bush’s speech to the General Assembly comes after UN secretary general Kofi Annan said the invasion of Iraq was an “illegal” act. And it follows criticism by Senator Kerry who yesterday accused Mr Bush of “colossal” failures over Iraq.