CANBERRA, Australia, March 28 (UPI) -- British Prime Minister Tony Blair lashed out at anti-U.S. sentiment in Europe as "madness" in an address Tuesday to Australia's parliament.
"The strain of anti-American feeling in parts of European and world politics is madness when set against the long-term interests of the world we believe in," Blair said, adding there was a dangerous risk the United States could retreat from the world scene into isolationism.
"We need them involved. We want them engaged," Blair said. "The reality is that none of the problems that press in on us can be resolved or even contemplated without them."
Blair acknowledged domestic support for having Australian troops in Iraq was dwindling, but called for decisiveness and resolution, The Times of London reported.
"If the going is tough, we tough it out," Blair said. "This is not a time to walk away. This is a time for the courage to see it through."
Blair later flew to Wellington, New Zealand to meet with Prime Minister Helen Clark, and to address a climate-change conference.
