President Bush has begun a six-day tour of Europe. The visit is likely to be overshadowed by concerns over American policies on defence and the environment, as well as criticism of yesterday's execution of Timothy McVeigh. Mr Bush arrived in the Spanish capital, Madrid, this morning and was immediately whisked away for a private meeting with King Juan Carlos. He will hold talks with Spain's Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar later today.
Speaking to several European newspapers last night the US President Bush said, "The Europeans are going to find that they've got a trustworthy friend in the Bush administration, one that will stay steady and true". However, many Europeans do not think that way. Demonstrations have been taking place and are planned against his policies, such as the rejection of the Kyoto Agreement.
A demonstration has been organised for outside the US embassy tonight at a time when President Bush is expected to be present. Although security is tight no "extraordinary" measures have been put in place, according to Spanish officials. Two small bombs were discovered in Madrid on Monday. A Marxist group is believed to be responsible.
Mr Bush is also expected to face the first of several protests over his plans to develop an anti-missile defence shield. He is due to travel to Belgium, Sweden, Poland and Slovenia over the next five days. In Slovenia, the President will have his first meeting with the Russian leader, Vladimir Putin, who strongly opposes the anti-missile project.
