US President George
W Bush, winding up his farewell tour of Europe, paid a visit with Queen
Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle on Sunday, ahead of political talks slated
Monday with Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
Bush, accompanied by his wife Laura, arrived for a traditional "Afternoon
Tea" with the queen, while later Sunday the US couple were to be hosted at
a gala dinner by Brown and his wife Sarah.
The political part of Bush's visit is on Monday, when the White House leader
will go to 10 Downing Street for talks expected to concern developments in Iraq, Iran and the world economy.
In an interview in Sunday's Observer newspaper, Bush urged Brown not to
jeopardise coalition forces' gains in Iraq with an early withdrawal of British
troops.
Bush said there should be no "definitive timetable" for troop
reductions, in comments following a report last week that Brown could announce
a final pullout of the remaining 4,500 British forces from Iraq before the end of the year.
The White House leader said both he and Brown had discussed the issue of
pullouts and that both wanted to bring their troops home, but said this could
only be "based on success."
But as to a formal timetable for troop cutbacks, Bush said, "Our answer
is: there should be no definitive timetable."
Later, a Downing street spokeswoman said that any reduction of forces depended
on "conditions on the ground ... It is not our policy to set arbitrary
timetables."
Bush's visit was taking place amid tight security measures which Scotland Yard
said had been put in place. Thousands of officers were posted to duty as
anti-war protests were expected.
After his talks with Brown, Bush is expected to meet with former premier and
current special envoy to the Middle East, Tony Blair.
Bush along with Brown is also expected in Belfast, North Ireland, where the two
will meet with North Irish First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First
Minister Martin McGuinness.
The Bush visit is the US politician's first to Britain since Brown became prime
minister.
The White House leader is wrapping up a week-long tour of Europe which began
June 9 in Slovenia to attend the US-European Union summit, followed by visits
to Germany, Italy and France, dpa reported.