Blair's unity call to US and Europe

Tony Blair wants to use his Russia visit to end rows over Iraq

Tony Blair has urged the US and Europe to heal their divisions over the war in Iraq.

The UK prime minister made the call before heading to Russia for St Petersburg's 300th anniversary celebrations.

Speaking during a visit to Poland, he warned that Europe stood at a "crucial moment" in its relationship with the US, following the arguments over war in Iraq.

"It is a moment either for reconciliation or for drifting apart," he said.

"The real question is: Can we recognise a sufficient convergence of interest to rebuild this trans-Atlantic alliance and strengthen it? I believe we can."

Can we recognise a sufficient convergence of interest to rebuild this trans-Atlantic alliance and strengthen it? I believe we can

Tony Blair

He said any disagreements between Europe and the US should be managed "carefully as between allies", rather than as a "diplomatic dogfight".

But he warned the US in turn to treat Europe as "America's partner, not its servant".

About 40 other world leaders, including US President George W Bush, are also joining the St Petersburg celebrations - although Mr Bush is not due to arrive until later on Saturday.

Accompanied by his wife Cherie, Mr Blair and other politicians attended the theatre and a party with Russian president Vladimir Putin on Friday evening.

On Saturday he will join Mr Putin and leaders of the 25 current and future EU nations for a formal Russia-EU summit.

'Rebuilding his status'

BBC correspondent John Pienaar, in St Petersburg, said the weekend was more about socialising than diplomacy, "but everyone's wondering if relations fractured by the war in Iraq may start to heal".

For Mr Blair, he added, the weekend was particularly significant.

My passionate belief in Europe is not born of any diminishing of my belief in Britain

Tony Blair

Blair attacks Eurosceptic 'delusion'

Blair reaches out to Poland

"For him, it's about restoring the vision of a world order. It's also crucial to rebuilding his status as a major player in the European and world stage."

On Friday, during his brief visit to Poland, Mr Blair focused on the future of the European Union itself.

He warned that British eurosceptics were deliberately spreading scare stories about Europe's draft new constitution, because they wanted out of the EU altogether.

He rejected Conservative calls for a referendum on the draft constitution, saying none was needed because it did not represent a "fundamental change" to the British constitution.

And he urged Polish voters to support joining the EU in the country's 7 June referendum.

After the Russian meetings, Mr Bush, Mr Blair, Mr Putin and other leaders of the G8 countries will head to a summit in France.