Bush to outline extension of ‘war on terror’

US president George W Bush is to use a speech marking six months since the September 11th attacks tomorrow to outline an expansion…

US president George W Bush is to use a speech marking six months since the September 11th attacks tomorrow to outline an expansion of the so-called war against terrorism.

Mr Bush will tell 1,300 guests at the White House, including foreign diplomats and American military top brass, that he may pursue al Qaeda terrorist cells in countries which have not asked for an American military presence.

And he will also increase pressure on Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein by declaring that inaction will not be an option in dealing with countries building weapons of mass destruction, the New York Timesreported.

Mr Bush's speech, which will be delivered on the White House's south lawn at 9.45 a.m. (2.45 p.m. Irish time).

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White House officials said Mr Bush is to use his speech to warn the campaign against terrorism is going to become more difficult.

He will not outline specific plans for where the campaign is to be extended to but will make the case for a stepped-up pursuit of al Qaeda.

A White House official said Indonesia was "a place of interest", but said speculation about military action in Somalia was premature and patrols by American naval vessels which were stopping and searching ships for al Qaeda fighters were likely to continue.

Mr Bush is also to use his speech to outline his belief that terrorists could link up with a small group of nations which are trying to develop nuclear and biological weapons, with devastating consequences.

His comments will build on his description of Iraq, Iran and North Korea as part of an "axis of evil" but will not be limited to the three countries.

PA