White House sleepover for visiting Blair

WASHINGTON, May 16 (Reuters) British Prime Minister Tony Blair is getting a White House sleepover for what may well be his last visit to Washington to see his Iraq war ally, President George W. Bush.

The two leaders, both facing strong domestic criticism for their stance on the war, were to hold a working dinner tonight then hold more talks tomorrow before a joint news conference.

Mr Blair, who announced last week that he will step down June 27, typically has stayed at the British ambassador's residence on Washington visits but got a special White House invitation.

''The president extended an invitation for Prime Minister Blair to stay the night at the White House and he accepted,'' said White House spokeswoman Dana Perino.

They planned to discuss the global war on terror, efforts to stop the conflict in Sudan's Darfur region, West Asia peace efforts and the Group of Eight summit in Germany coming up in early June.

Bush played host to Queen Elizabeth II at a white-tie dinner a little more than a week ago.

REUTERS BDP KN2201