By Michael A. Fletcher and Keith B. Richburg
Washington Post Staff Writers
Tuesday, February 22, 2005; Page A01

BRUSSELS, Feb. 21 -- President Bush challenged Europe on Monday to put aside its differences with the United States over the Iraq war and become a "strong partner" in "advancing freedom in the world." He also called on Russia to "renew a commitment to democracy and the rule of law."

At the outset of a European tour designed to mend transatlantic alliances strained by differences over the war and other issues, Bush appealed to all European countries to "place democratic reform at the heart of their dialogue with Russia." Bush is to meet Thursday with President Vladimir Putin, who has been criticized for forcing political opponents into exile, eliminating the election of governors, taking control of independent television and otherwise rolling back democracy.

On the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, Bush declared that a settlement was "now within reach." He called on Palestinian leaders to "confront and dismantle terrorist groups." He appealed to Israel to freeze Jewish settlement activity and "ensure that a new Palestinian state is truly viable, with contiguous territory on the West Bank. A state of scattered territories will not work."

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has suggested connecting Palestinian areas in the West Bank, now separated by highways that link Jewish settlements, with a series of overpasses and tunnels. Europeans have been critical of the Bush administration for appearing to side too strongly with Sharon's government.

Speaking to an audience of 300 at the elegant Concert Noble Hall here, Bush called the expansion of democracy the most effective way to rid the world of the deep resentments that foment terrorism.

In the short term, he said, Europe and the United States must stand together to support fledgling democracies in Afghanistan and Iraq and to end the conflict between the Palestinians and Israelis.

"We seek peace between Israel and Palestine for its own sake," Bush said. "We also know that a free and peaceful Palestine can add to the momentum of reform throughout the broader Middle East. In the long run, we cannot live in peace and safety if the Middle East continues to produce ideologies of murder."

Regarding other problems in the Middle East, Bush said Syria must end its support of terrorist groups. He also called on Syria to live up to a U.N. resolution demanding that it remove thousands of troops from Lebanon. "Syria must . . . end its occupation of Lebanon," Bush said to applause.

Later, Bush and French President Jacques Chirac issued a joint statement condemning the assassination last week of former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq Hariri and calling for Syria to withdraw its troops from Lebanon.

Bush's speech came during a trip that administration officials say is designed to persuade skeptical Europeans to move past the disagreements that strained relations with the United States during the president's first term.

"America supports a strong Europe because we need a strong partner in the hard work of advancing freedom in the world," Bush said in his speech.

But even as the president sought a closer working relationship with Europe, there was little indication of any U.S. movement on the policies that soured relations between the longtime allies. Instead, U.S. officials said they saw Europeans slowly being won over to their view.

In a briefing with reporters, two senior administration officials described Europe as moving closer to the Bush administration's positions on a variety of issues, including Iraq and the use of NATO as a tool for spreading democracy. In recent weeks, several European nations have announced plans to help train Iraqi police and assist the Iraqi military.

"I would say that NATO is more unified today on Iraq, Afghanistan and other major issues in the alliance than at any time in the last three years," a senior administration official said on condition of anonymity. "There is a much better tone."

Outside the U.S. Embassy in Brussels, several hundred protesters gathered peacefully to denounce Bush and U.S. policies in Iraq and the Middle East.

Some demonstrators carried cardboard missiles attached to placards bearing the names of places attacked by U.S. air power. Signs posted on buildings and lampposts read "Bush Not Welcome."

Reaction to Bush's speech was largely muted. Some analysts said they were glad to hear Bush expressly state his support for a "strong Europe" as a U.S. partner, suggesting there was no longer a debate within the administration over whether a larger, integrated Europe posed a challenge to the United States.

Still, some European officials remained wary of the U.S. claims of progress in Iraq and elsewhere. European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana, in an interview published Monday in the International Herald Tribune, said he remained pessimistic about Iraq's future and brushed aside any suggestion that the U.S. decision to invade the country had been vindicated by a strong voter turnout in recent elections there.

"It is not vindication," Solana said. "Think about it. What kind of regime will emerge? It is too early to say."

In his speech, Bush also demanded that Iran abandon what U.S. officials suspect are its ambitions to develop nuclear weapons. While Bush did not rule out using military force in Iran, he added: "Iran is . . . different from Iraq. We're in the early stages of diplomacy."

Britain, France and Germany have been working on a diplomatic solution to end Iran's nuclear program. But the Europeans fear that the talks will fail unless the United States becomes directly involved, which it has refused to do. The Bush administration has said that Iran is bound by international law not to develop nuclear weapons.

"The results of this approach now depend largely on Iran," Bush said.

Bush made only passing reference to the deep disagreements that strained relations with Europe during his first term. Instead, he focused on what he said were common values that link the allies.

"Our strong friendship is essential to peace and prosperity across the globe," Bush said. "And no temporary debate, no passing disagreement of governments, no power on Earth will ever divide us."

Hours after his speech, Bush hosted a working dinner for Chirac, one of the most outspoken European opponents of the Iraq war, at the home of the U.S. ambassador to Belgium. A dish of Belgian "frites" was served, and Bush pointedly called them "French fries," a reference to the past tensions that led the item to be briefly renamed "freedom fries" in U.S. House cafeterias.

Spokesmen for Chirac and Bush said they enjoyed "a friendly exchange," marked by a willingness to work together.

"Every time I meet with Jacques, I get good advice," Bush said before their meeting. Chirac was equally gracious, saying the United States and France "share many ideals and values."

Prompted by the apparent comity, a French reporter asked Bush whether he planned to invite Chirac to the United States, "even to your ranch?"

"I'm looking for a good cowboy," Bush replied.

Staff writer Glenn Kessler in Washington contributed to this report.