Bush to speak to nation

Saturday, 6 September 2003 8:59 AM

US President George W Bush will address his country on Sunday night about the growing crisis in Iraq and the ongoing war on terror.

Critics says the President is facing re-election and is anxious to quell criticism from Democratic opponents concerned about the US' expensive unilateral foreign policy.

Post-war Iraq appears increasingly precarious for coalition troops and with 140,000 US troops stationed in the region, the President will look to reassure voters that everything is being done to try and hasten the speedy reconstruction of Saddam Hussein's fallen regime.

Mr Bush will speak at 20:30 EDT

Next Thursday marks the second anniversary of 2001 Sept. 11 atrocities.

White House spokesman said Iraq would receive a central focus in the 15-minute speech, as the country's future was the lynchpin in the war on terror.

The President may also indicate how much money he wants from Congress to fund his campaign.

An estimated $65-$80 billion has been mooted to fund Iraqi reconstruction and US troop deployment.

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