President Bush sought to put aside his differences with Europe over the Iraq war, saying the two continents remain united.

In a keynote speech in Brussels, the US leader had warm words of praise for the shared ideals of the US and EU.

But he also renewed his call for the spread of democracy in the Middle East, challenging countries from Saudi Arabia to Egypt to reform their authoritarian governments.

On Iraq, the president said the country could become a "beacon" in the region.

And referring to past strains in the transatlantic alliance, he said: "No passing disagreement of governments, no power on earth will ever divide us."

His comments will provide an upbeat backdrop to his meeting on Tuesday with Tony Blair.

The president praised the British prime minister's leading role in promoting democracy for the Palestinians.

Blair will also hold bilateral meetings with the Turkish, Canadian and Ukrainian prime ministers before taking part in EU and NATO meetings.

The prime minister's spokesman said Iraq, Africa, global warming, Iran, and the Israeli and Palestinian peace process were all on the agenda.

Mandelson

European trade commissioner Peter Mandelson is among those dining with the president on Monday night.

Blair's ally said the US was right not to rule out using force against Iran over their nuclear programme.

On Iraq, Mandelson said it was time to "let the past be the past".

And on Iran, or any other foreign policy security issue, it would be "stupid" to rule out the force as an option.

"Clearly something went seriously wrong with the chemistry between President Bush and some of Europe's leaders (over Iraq) and this is the time to start putting that right," Mandelson said.

"There is no doubt that poor EU-US relations have been weakening the whole of the international system, and the world cannot afford this."

Brussels and Washington were now "working on the same page" on the Middle East, while cooperation was strong on Afghanistan, and growing in Iraq, Mandelson added.

Syria

Meanwhile foreign secretary Jack Straw, who is also in Brussels for talks, said he was "deeply suspicious" about Syria's role in the assassination of Lebanon's former prime minister Rafik Hariri.

The US has been hinting they believe the Syrians, who still have forces in Lebanon, were behind the car bombing. This is the strongest indication yet that the British government believe Syria were responsible.

United Nations secretary general Kofi Annan is sending a team of experts to Lebanon to investigate the killing of the former prime minister.

The decision was taken after the UN security council asked that he report on the circumstances, causes, and consequences of the killing.

President Bush also had tough words for Syria, saying it must "end its occupation of Lebanon".