Clintons' new portraits unveiled

The paintings are the work of self-taught artist Simmie Knox

Former US President Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary have returned to the White House for the unveiling of their official presidential portraits.

In a rare pre-election truce President Bush paid tribute to his predecessor as the oil paintings were revealed.

He said Mr Clinton "showed incredible energy and great personal appeal" during his time in office.

Mr Clinton is about to embark on a major book tour to promote his eagerly-awaited memoirs, "My Life".

Kerry eclipsed?

The book, which has been given a record 1.5m first print run is due to come out on 22 June.

Publishers Alfred A Knopf paid Mr Clinton an advance in excess of $10m for the autobiography which is promised to be a candid and revealing look at his eight years in office.

Some political analysts have suggested that publicity surrounding the book might damage likely Democrat presidential candidate John Kerry ahead of November's election.

"Kerry wants to be the story, he needs to be the story and Clinton will hog the spotlight as only a Clinton can," Republican adviser Nelson Warfield told Reuters news agency.

Heaping praise

Mr Clinton left power in January 2001 and since then the Bush administration has been less than flattering of his work, but this was not the case at the unveiling ceremony.

"As chief executive, he showed a deep and far-ranging knowledge of public policy, a great compassion for people in need, and the forward-looking spirit that Americans like in a president," Mr Bush said.

He said that Mr Clinton's rise to chief executive "took more than charm and intellect. It took hard work and drive and determination and optimism".

"I can tell you more of the story, but it's coming out in fine bookstores all over America," Mr Bush joked.

The two oil paintings are the work of Simmie Knox, the first African-American to paint an official presidential portrait.