President Bush appealed to Europeans yesterday to replace disagreements over Iraq with what he called a new era of trans-Atlantic unity with a goal of spreading democracy across the Middle East. In a speech setting the tone for his Europe visit this week, Bush offered a conciliatory message, saying ?America supports a strong Europe because we need a strong partner in the hard work of advancing freedom in the world,? according to excerpts of the address released by the White House.

And after two years of bitter divide over the wisdom of the Iraq war, Bush told European leaders that ?now is the time for the established democracies to give tangible political, economic, and security assistance? to Iraq. At a time of promise between Palestinians and Israelis, Bush said ?our immediate goal is peace in the Middle East,? arguing that creation of a Palestinian state ?can add to the momentum of reform throughout the broader Middle East.?

Despite Bush?s public appeal for unity in the heart of Europe, policy differences remain ? over how hard to push Iran to give up its nuclear ambitions, and whether to impose new penalties to prod Syria to pull its troops out of Lebanon and to deny support for the Hizbollah guerrilla group. Washington is also worried about EU wishes to lift an arms embargo to China, but is seeking to play down differences in hope of casting the relationship in a cooperative light.

?As past debates fade, and great duties become clear, let us begin a new era of transatlantic unity,? Bush said. ?Our strong friendship is essential to peace and prosperity across the globe ? and no temporary debate, no passing disagreement of governments, no power on earth will ever divide us,? Bush added. While voicing support for a strong and united Europe in his speech, Bush in interviews on the eve of the trip cautioned against seeing a united Europe as a counter-balance to the United States, as French President Jacques Chirac has suggested.

Bush hopes his visit ? to Belgium, Germany and Slovakia ? will set a new tone in relations with Europe at the start of his second term. He met his main rivals on the Iraq war: Chirac, German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

?Today, America and Europe face a moment of consequence and opportunity,? Bush said.

?Together we can once again set history on a hopeful course ? away from poverty and despair, and toward development and the dignity of self-rule ... away from resentment and violence, and toward justice and the peaceful settlement of differences.? The White House said Bush?s speech will be directed to ?the people of Europe,? who overwhelmingly opposed the Iraq war.

Bush urged Europeans to move beyond that fight. ?Together, we must make clear to the Iraqi people that the world is also with them... All nations now have an interest in the success of a free and democratic Iraq.?

Fresh start

Yesterday night, Bush sought a fresh start in relations with Chirac, meeting him in Brussels for what the White House called a working dinner. He will go to Mainz, Germany, on Wednesday for talks with Schroeder. Chirac and Schroeder led European opposition to the Iraq war but officials on both sides of the Atlantic see a move toward rapprochement. Schroeder has been urging Americans to show patience with the EU-led negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program.

The United States supports the EU effort and is closely monitoring the talks with an eye toward bringing the case to the UN Security Council and asking for sanctions. Europeans would prefer resolving the issue without the Security Council. While Europe and the United States appeared united on the need to put pressure on Syria after the killing last Monday of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, Europeans want further discussion about what should be done to punish Damascus.

Adam ENTOUS

Tapes prove Bush may have smoked marijuana

President Bush indicated in interviews secretly taped by a friend before he became president that he had used marijuana but would not admit it for fear of setting a bad example for children. Portions of the tapes, recorded from 1998 to 2000 by author Doug Wead without Bush's knowledge, were aired on ABC News on Sunday and published by The New York Times. Their authenticity was verified by the media outlets but has not been independently checked by Reuters. ?I wouldn't answer the marijuana question. You know why? Because I don't want some little kid doing what I tried," Bush purportedly says on the tape. He added: "But you got to understand, I want to be president. I want to lead. I want to set -- Do you want your little kid say, 'Hey, Daddy, President Bush tried marijuana, I think I will?"' In the tape, Bush mocks former Vice President Al Gore -- who fought him for the presidency in 2000 -- for admitting he smoked marijuana. White House officials did not dispute the tapes' veracity and indicated the president was disappointed by their release.