LaraCroft01

From here

Sun Aug 22, 7:25 AM ET

LONDON (AFP) - Prime Minister Tony Blair (news - web sites) is refusing to fly to the United States to receive a medal bestowed on him by the nation for his support over last year's Iraq (news - web sites) war.
US President George W. Bush (news - web sites) has put huge pressure on his closest ally to pick up the Congressional Medal of Honor in person, the Sunday Mirror quoted a senior British government source as saying.

Blair is immensely popular with large sections of the American public for his staunch support of the Iraq war and the White House believes a visit by the prime minister now would provide a much-needed boost to Bush's re-election campaign.

"There has been a lot of telephone traffic between the White House and Downing Street over the medal in recent week," the Sunday Mirror quoted a senior government source as saying.

"George Bush wants the prime minister to come to Washington and pick up the medal, which is the highest honour America can bestow on a foreigner.

"But he has refused for more than a year now and for good reason. He cannot possibly accept an award for the Iraq war when British and American troops continue to risk their lives there."

Blair is concerned also that a trip to the United States now would effectively be giving a boost to Bush ahead of November's presidential elections.

"The Democrats are watching the situation very carefully and there would be uproar if Tony travelled to Washington to meet (Republican) Bush so close to the presidential elections," the government source said.

"But Bush isn't letting up. The White House has already let it be known that they feel slighted because of this and believe they can use this to put pressure on Blair to get him out there."

pacifierrocks

He's giving Blair the Medal of Honor because he supported the war on iraq? Are you serious? Isn't the medal of honor supposed to be given to be who showed great valor in action against an enemy force. and aren't you supposed to be in the U.S. military to get it. maybe i'm confusing it with something else.

lizzie2000

Im glad he does not want to accept the medal, maybe it will open up people's eyes and they will realize about the war. It is almost like making an international statement.

I'm Not Your Boy Toy

glad Blair is turning it down especially since he didnt even earn the medal

Lexis

Wow. Is it possible my Prime Minister has finally decided to show a little spine when it comes to President Bush?

Maybe he's figured out that his behaviour is not going down well with the public. I was so moved after 9/11 when he gave the "shoulder to shoulder" speech - in less than three years, he's ruined all that respect.

Goonieforever

Finally he is doing something I agree with, good for him.

-Kelly-

A War honour? for war?

Sick.

Shakespeareuk

Now why do I read between the lines about this lame piece of excuse from our PM?

Firstly, before and during the Iraq war, Blair was all out to portray his support for Bush, travelling to the US, far more times in a month than I could wolf down a good Sunday meal. Now whatsup with him refusing to attend the US now?

Blair, get your priorities right. You're either a fullblown supporter of Bush or not. Why play this hide-n-seek game now.