"Iraq does not represent today an immediate threat that justifies an immediate war," said [Jacques Chirac], who led opposition to the war at the United Nations. Germany and Russia also spoke out against war, as did the Arab League and the European Commission, the executive body of the 15-member EU.

In Beijing, China's new president, Hu Jintao, told [Bush] by telephone, "China hopes for peace instead of war," the official New China News Agency said. In his first conversation with Bush since becoming president over the weekend, Hu said, "On the Iraq issue, China always advocates a political solution in the framework of the United Nations."

Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar, who has staunchly backed the U.S. position in the United Nations, reiterated his support but also said Spain would not send combat troops to the conflict. Spain will contribute 900 troops, for purposes such as medical support and anti-mine work, and three ships.