"It's time for people to show their cards and let people know where they stand in relation to Saddam," Bush said at a prime-time news conference.

Bush said he had not decided whether to invade Iraq but that it was only a matter of days before a UN Security Council vote on a US-backed resolution authorizing force.

"Our mission is clear in Iraq," the president. "Should we have to go in, our mission is very clear: disarmament. It will mean a regime change. No doubt there are risks in any military operation. I know that."

Bush insisted that he had not decided whether to invade Iraq and said it was up to Saddam. "It's his choice to make whether or not we go to war. He's the person that can make the choice of war or peace. Thus far he's made the wrong choice."

The president's news conference came on the eve of a crucial Security Council meeting. On Friday, chief weapons inspector Hans Blix and his counterpart, Mohamed ElBaradei, will report on Iraq's measure of cooperation in eliminating its banned weapons. Their assessment could weigh heavily in determining the outcome of the Security Council's vote on a resolution to authorize force.

France, Germany, Russia and China say they oppose such a resolution. Bush said he would call for a vote even if it appears certain the United States will lose.

Bush answered questions for about 40 minutes after making his case against Saddam in a 10-minute opening statement in the East Room.

Asked how his faith was guiding him through these deliberations, Bush said: "I pray daily, I pray for guidance and wisdom and strength." He added that if he decides to send troops into war, "I would pray for their safety and I would pray for the safety of innocent Iraqi lives as well."

Bush, growing teary-eyed, said it was a "humbling experience" to know that people he's never met "have lifted me and my family up in prayer. It's been a comforting feeling to know that."

(China Daily March 7, 2003)