Back in Germany, President Bush also addressed Iran, repeating his longstanding threat to use military force if Iran fails to abide by US demands on its nuclear activities.

President Bush: “I just told you that all options are on the table. And my first choice is to solve this diplomatically, and the best way to solve it diplomatically is to work with our partners. And that’s exactly what we’re doing. And the message to the Iranian government is very clear, that there is a better way forward than isolation, and that is for you to verifiably suspend your enrichment program.”

Iran has offered to negotiate on its nuclear program and a broader agreement, but the US insists Iran must suspend nuclear activities as a precondition. From Germany, President Bush went on to Italy, where he faces protests from tens of thousands of people. On Wednesday, demonstrators began a major rally in Rome protesting Bush’s visit.

Protester: “We want to show Bush, the Italian government and the entire world that Italians do not support the politics of Bush and the politics of war.”

Protester: “I came here to protest against Bush. I think he’s a traitor to the American people and has been since he was elected.”

Protests are continuing in Italy today.