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US President George W. Bush is expected to arrive in Northern Ireland next Monday to discuss with British Prime Minister Tony Blair the ongoing Iraqi war, which has entered a crucial stage, the Downing Street said on Friday.
The two leaders are also expected to discuss the latest developments in the Middle East and the Northern Ireland peace process, the Downing Street, Blair's office, said in a statement.
The staunchest supporter of Washington in the Iraqi war, Britain differs with the United States on the reconstruction of postwar Iraq, insisting on a major UN involvement on the issue.
The announcement by the Downing Street came when the US Central Command claimed on Friday that the US forces advancing on Baghdad had seized control of the Saddam International Airport, which is only 20 km southwest of the Iraqi capital.
At a daily news briefing at the US Central Command headquarters in Doha, Qatar, Brig. Gen. Vincent Brooks also said that US special operations forces were "in key locations" inside Baghdad.
Meanwhile, Iraq threatened on Friday that it might take "unconventional" action on Friday night against US-led coalition forces approaching Baghdad.
"Tonight we will carry something non-conventional against them, not necessarily military," Iraqi Information Minister Mohammed Saeed al-Sahaf told a news conference.
"We will do something that will be a great example for these mercenaries," he said.
It is difficult for the US forces that are surrounded in Saddam International Airport to leave Baghdad alive, Sahaf said, adding that the airport will become a "graveyard" for "American villains."
(Xinhua News Agency April 5, 2003)
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