Bush is like an ostrich over Iraq says Campbell

4.32.09pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 8th Dec 2006

Liberal Democrat Leader Sir Menzies Campbell as likened George Bush to an ostrich in his stance over Iraq. In a joint press conference with Tony Blair, President Bush yesterday ruled out early talks with Iran and Syria on tackling Iraq's unrest, a move called as part of a change in strategy on Iraq by a damning US report.

Sir Menzies said "The President's rejection of dialogue with Syria and Iran shows that he is like an ostrich putting his head in the sand of the Middle East. The test of Mr Blair's independence of mind is whether or not he is willing to challenge the President's intransigence. It is long past the time when Britain should have a strategy for Iraq which reflects reality and British interests."