Blair praises Bush leadership

British Prime Minister Tony Blair paid tribute today to President George Bush’s leadership in the Middle East and said there was a real prospect for peace.

The Prime Minister said there was a “renewed sense of vigour and optimism” after holding breakfast talks with the US President.

Speaking in Brussels, Mr Blair also said there was a chance for a stable prosperous and democratic Iraq.

Both leaders emphasised the importance of transatlantic ties following rifts of the war.

Mr Bush went out of his way to praise Europe yesterday as he seeks to mend fences with EU leaders who opposed the invasion of Iraq.

The President had dinner last night with French counterpart Jacques Chirac, who was most strongly against the war, and will hold a similar meeting with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder tomorrow night.

Mr Schroeder recently raised eyebrows when he suggested Nato was no longer the primary forum for transatlantic dialogue.

Speaking at the US Ambassador’s residence, Mr Bush said today: “Nato is a vital relationship to the United States and Europe.”

He was going on to meet Alliance leaders at Nato’s European headquarters before visiting the EU.