"War is my last choice, but the risk of doing nothing is even a worse option," the US leader told reporters. "Saddam Hussein is a threat to America and we will deal with him."

Asked about weekend demonstrations worldwide which drew millions of protestors against any US-led war on Iraq, Bush said the crowds were wrong about Saddam and that a true leader must sometimes ignore public opinion.

"Size of protest, it's like deciding, well, I'm going to decide policy based upon a focus group. The role of a leader is to decide policy based upon the security -- in this case, the security of the people," he said.

Earlier, Bush spokesman Ari Fleischer said Washington was still working with its allies on a new resolution calling for the enforcement of the UN's demand that Iraq disarm and that the initiative could be unveiled this week.

"It could take place as soon as this week, it could be next week," he said. "The timing will be determined as a result of the ongoing conversations within our government and with the allies," as they decide on specific wording.

"It's going to be a relatively simple resolution, not very lengthy," said Fleischer. "The message of it is that (UN Security Council resolution) 1441 shall be enforced."

France, which has a veto in the UN Security Council, has said that it supports continued UN inspections in Iraq and that it will oppose such a measure.

Asked the possible new resolution, Bush said that it would be "useful" but stressed: "We don't need a second resolution. It's clear this guy could even care less about the first."

And, prodded on whether any new resolution must include a new ultimatum, the president derided what he said amounted to giving Saddam "another, another, another last chance."

The US leader also expressed optimism that the United States and Turkey will reach agreement on an aid package that would cement Ankara's much-needed support for possible military action against Iraq.

"Hopefully we can come up with an agreement that's satisfactory to both parties. We're still working it," Bush said after the head of Turkey's ruling party warned Ankara's support hinges on a generous aid package.

The president also expressed support for British Prime Minister Tony Blair, his staunchest ally on Iraq, who returned from an emergency EU summit on policy towards Baghdad to find his popularity plummeting over support for Washington.

"Any time somebody shows courage, when it comes to peace, the people will eventually understand that," he said.

"Tony Blair understands that Saddam Hussein is a risk. Tony Blair sees that, you know, a weakened United Nations is not good for world peace. And he is a courageous leader and I'm proud to call him friend."

Bush, who meets here Wednesday with NATO Secretary General George Robertson, praised another another staunch US ally, Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar, who will meet the US leader at his Texas ranch this weekend.

"I'm looking forward to having a good meeting with him," he said. Blair and Aznar "are men of vision. They see the task at hand. And I'm proud to call them allies. We'll work together for the sake of peace."