Confronted with a nuclear challenge from North Korea and the possibility of war with Iraq, US President George W Bush resolved today to try to find peaceful solutions to both in 2003.
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Bush drew distinctions between the two international threats. He expressed confidence that diplomacy could head off North Korea's nuclear ambitions while reminding Iraqi President Saddam Hussein that the growing US military presence in the Gulf was designed to make sure he "heard the message."

Asked about the potential cost of a war against Iraq, Bush countered: "An attack from Saddam Hussein or a surrogate of Saddam Hussein would cripple our economy."

» Bush vows to end Iraq, North Korea crises peacefully