President Bush's Speech in Britain - 2003-11-19

President Bush defends his policy in Iraq and calls on countries around the world to promote democracy. On Wednesday, in a major speech on the first day of his three-day visit to Britain, Mr. Bush described the war in Iraq as a last resort, following the failure of diplomacy and all other avenues, stating that global peace and security rests on three pillars: international cooperation, the promotion of democracy, and war as a last resort. In part of his remarks at the Whitehall guesthouse in London, broadcast on television, the U.S. President emphasized that America would not withdraw from Iraq, saying: 'We have not advanced hundreds of miles into the heart of Iraq and paid a heavy price in casualties only to retreat in the face of a handful of thugs and murderers.' The U.S. President also praised British Prime Minister Tony Blair for his support of the fight against terrorism and the war in Iraq. Britain has been America's closest ally in the battle against terrorism and the war in Iraq. Meanwhile, about 350 people protested against the war, marching ahead of a large demonstration on Thursday in front of Parliament towards Trafalgar Square. Police reported that 18 people were arrested.