Bush backs missile defence system

George W Bush wants a strong US military

George W Bush will push through the controversial US missile defence system if he is elected president, a key adviser has said.

The missile project, which has drawn condemnation from Russia and China, has suffered problems during tests and a final decision on its future is expected to rest with President Clinton's successor.

Condoleezza Rice: Tough military policies

Supporters of the shield say it is necessary to protect the US from a missile attack by a "rogue" state, such as North Korea or Iraq.

Mr Bush's international affairs adviser, Condoleezza Rice, told the Republican Party convention in Philadelphia that Mr Bush would be fully behind the system.

"It is time to have a president devoted to a new nuclear strategy and to the deployment of effective missile defences at the earliest possible date," said Ms Rice, who served in the administration of President Bush.

She added: "If the time ever comes to use military force, President George W Bush will do so to win, because for him, victory is not a dirty word.

"George W Bush will never allow America and our allies to be blackmailed.

Sceptical

"And make no mistake about it, blackmail is what the outlaw states seeking long-range ballistic missiles have in mind."

George W Bush believes that America has a special responsibility to keep the peace

Condoleezza Rice

US Defence Secretary William Cohen has said the decision on whether to deploy the missile shield would, in effect, be left to President Clinton's successor, because of the testing problems.

Washington's Nato allies in Europe have expressed strong reservations about the system. They are sceptical of the technology, doubtful about whether is needed and worried about the diplomatic repercussions.

Washington fears North Korean missile attack

Ms Rice also told the Republican convention that the US would not be so willing to get involved with military disputes if George Bush were elected.

Mr Bush "recognises that the magnificent men and women of America's armed services are not a global police force," she said.

Republicans have accused President Clinton and the Democrat presidential candidate Al Gore of going into risky missions, like ones in Bosnia and Kosovo, where they say there is no vital US interests.