BUSH: CLAP ME OR NO EU SPEECH
"George Bush pulled out of a speech to the European Parliament when MEPs wouldn't guarantee a standing ovation.
Senior White House officials said the President would only go to Strasbourg to talk about Iraq if he had a stage-managed welcome.
A source close to negotiations said last night: "President Bush agreed to a speech but insisted he get a standing ovation like at the State of the Union address.
"His people also insisted there were no protests, or heckling.
"I believe it would be a crucial speech for Mr Bush to make in light of the opposition here to war. But unless he only gets adulation and praise, then it will never happen."
Mr Bush's every appearance in the US is stage-managed, with audiences full of supporters."
COME ON YOU EUROPEAN WHORES, GIVE GEORGIE BOY THE CLAP HE SO RICHLY DESERVES!
US asked for expulsion of Iraqi diplomats.
The statement comes as the Australian Government insists it was not pressured by the US administration to eject an Iraqi attache in Australia.
The Australian Government says Helal Ibrahim Aaref has been involved in espionage, and must leave the country by Wednesday.
"No they haven't put pressure on us but we have had extensive discussions with the Americans about this issue, of course we have," Mr Downer said.
Meanwhile, acting Prime Minister John Anderson says the Australian Government will not respond to an Iraqi diplomat's challenge to prove he has been spying.
"We've taken what we regard as appropriate action," Mr Anderson said.
"We are not going to rise to that sort of challenge."
The Australian Foreign Minister responds in his usual fiercely independent manner. "Please Sir, how many?"
... and the Blog turned up when Alexander did a bit of searching after the extensive discussions with his masters.
(Run mouse over the link for a clue)
Fancy anyone thinking the Ten Ton Gorilla would resort to dirty tricks. There just isn't that sort of culture in the American administration.
