Bush, speaking to reporters at his private ranch in Texas, said he had no timetable for deciding on options to seek regime change in Iraq. He also noted that his administration would consult with the US Congress and allies as it considers how to topple President Saddam.

"The consultation process is a positive part of really allowing people to fully understand our deep concerns about this man, his regime and his desires to have weapons of mass destruction," Bush said.

"What I do believe the American people understand is that weapons of mass destruction in the hands of leaders such as Saddam Hussein are very dangerous for ourselves, our allies," he said, adding that Saddam remains a US enemy "until proven otherwise."

Bush made the remarks amid increasing concerns both at home and abroad over a possible US military strike against Iraq.

Meanwhile, US Vice President Dick Cheney on Saturday held a video conference with leaders of six Iraqi opposition groups from his home in the US state of Wyoming.

Iraqi opposition leaders said Cheney insisted on a "democratic-elected" government to replace the one led by President Saddam.

The opposition leaders, who gathered in Washington at the invitation of the Bush administration, also met on Saturday with US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Richard Myers. But the details of the meetings were not disclosed.

On Friday, the Iraqis met with US Secretary of State Colin Powell and other officials of the departments of state and defense to discuss plans to overthrow Saddam and post-Saddam arrangements.

( August 11, 2002)