Bush faces protests down under

Updated 15.54 Tue Sep 04 2007

Keywords: Iraq, George W Bush, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation

US President George W Bush has been greeted by anti-war protests in Australia as he arrived for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.

Following a visit to Iraq where he hinted at possible US troop cuts, President Bush arrived in Sydney amid heavy security.

Anti-war protesters rallied in front of the city's main railway station hours before Mr Bush arrived

He is likely to discuss the subject of troops in Iraq at a joint news conference with Prime Minister John Howard, whose support for Mr Bush and the war has contributed to his weakness in the polls.

Highlighting strong opposition to the war, several protests are planned for the APEC meetings, culminating in a major march by the "Stop Bush Coalition" this weekend when the leaders meet at the Sydney Opera House.

Earlier anti-war protesters rallied in front of the city's main railway station hours before Mr Bush arrived.

US Iraq veteran Matt Howard said: "We are here today on the eve of APEC to tell George Bush that he is not welcome, wherever he and his architects of death may travel," said in Sydney."

Protesters also plan to demonstrate against global warming, human rights abuses in China and nuclear proliferation.