The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Ljubljana

US President George W. Bush on Tuesday looked to persuade European leaders to tighten the squeeze on Iran's finances, a central message of what was likely his farewell tour of the continent.

Bush, whose term ends in January, will hold talks with Slovenia's president and prime minister before attending the annual US-European Union summit for the last time, then head to Germany for talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel.

The US president also hopes to secure more help with war-battered Afghanistan during his visit, which also takes him to Germany, Italy, the Vatican, France, England, and Northern Ireland.

But the White House warns to expect no "dramatic announcements" on disputes over climate change or trade, or on new ways to prop up the faltering Middle East peace process at the summit in nearby Brdo Pri Kranju.

Washington and its partners will jointly warn Tehran to freeze its suspect nuclear program or face further sanctions, according to a draft of the half-day diplomatic gathering's final joint statement, obtained by AFP.