ANTI-WAR campaigners last night launched a lobby urging council leaders to stop Condoleezza Rice visiting Merseyside.
Around 40 people staged a rally outside Liverpool town hall in protest at the proposed visit by the US Secretary of State later this month, as councillors arrived for their monthly meeting.
Mark Holt, president of the Merseyside Stop the War coalition, was granted permission to address the full council chamber.
He argued campaigners did not want the region to entertain a politician prepared to "wage war in Iraq" and urged the city to withdraw co-operation for Ms Rice's visit.
"Condoleezza Rice has blood on her hands. I implore you please do not facilitate her visit. I implore you to make a statement to the media either as a council or as individual councillors that she is not welcome here!
"Think of the hundred thousand Iraqis who have died and of the children. Think of Abu Ghraib, Guantanamo Bay and extraordinary rendition. Think of our soldiers who have died needlessly in this needless war."
But later council leader Warren Bradley told the Daily Post he would not bow to the pressure.
He said: "Condoleezza Rice's visit to Liverpool is a great opportunity for this city to show off its fantastic renaissance and unrivalled cultural offer.
"It will focus the world's media attention on Liverpool and showcase our city.
"As Liberal Democrat leader of Liverpool city council, I will also be using her visit to outline my personal concerns and those of my party about the war in Iraq."
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