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US President George W. Bush reiterated his administration's determination Thursday to seek a regime change in Iraq but noted that he has patience to deal with Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.
"The policy of this administration is regime change, for a reason," Bush told reporters before he began formal talks with visiting Jordan's King of Abdullah at the White House.
Bush, who has repeatedly threatened to use force to topple Saddam, accused the Iraqi leader of threatening his neighbors and developing weapons of mass destruction, allegations which have been flatly rejected by Baghdad.
"I'll assure his majesty (Abdullah), like I have in the past, we're looking at all options, the use of all tools. I'm a patient man," Bush said.
Abdullah, who described a US attack on Iraq as "bad idea" which would trigger unexpected repercussions in an interview with The Washington Post on Wednesday, tried to play down speculations about his difference with Bush on the Iraqi issue.
"What I've found from day one with the president is this: He understands the bigger picture. And at the end of the day, peace and stability for the Middle East has been at the forefront of hismind. And so we have many areas where we find common base to be able to move the region forward," the king said.
President George W. Bush on Thursday notified the Congress that he has decided to extend sanctions on Iraq for another year, accusing Iraq of continuing to engage in activities "hostile to US interests."
"The crisis between the United States and Iraq that led to the declaration of a national emergency on August 2, 1990, has not been resolved," Bush said in a letter to Congressional leaders.
"The government of Iraq continues to engage in activities inimical to stability in the Middle East and hostile to US interests," he said.
The US president also repeated his threat to topple the Iraqi government led by President Saddam Hussein when he met with Jordan's King Abdullah at the White House on Thursday.
Accusing Baghdad of threatening its neighbors and developing weapons of mass destruction, Bush said he remains determined to seek a regime change in Iraq and his administration is reviewing all options for that end.
(Xinhua News Agency August 2, 2002)
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