Bush apologises to Blair over bombs sent to Israel

WASHINGTON, July 29 (Reuters) US President George W Bush apologised to British Prime Minister Tony Blair after Britain complained Washington had not followed correct procedures for sending bombs to Israel via a British airport, a British official said.

Blair's spokesman told reporters yesterday traveling with Blair that Bush raised the issue briefly at the start of his meeting with Blair at the White House.

''President Bush did apologise for the fact that proper procedures were not followed,'' the spokesman said. ''President Bush as part of the introduction said 'I'm sorry there was a problem.' It was literally that,'' the spokesman told reporters aboard his plane.

The British government had formally complained to the United States over its use of a British airport for transiting bombs to Israel.

British media reported on Wednesday that aircraft carrying ''bunker-busting'' bombs from the United States to Israel refuelled at Prestwick airport in Scotland over the weekend.

REUTERS SRS BST0530