WORLD> America
Australia's Howard not moving for Obamas: spokesman
(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-01-11 08:55

SYDNEY -- Australia's former leader John Howard will stay at a state residence in Washington next week despite pressure that he make way for US President-elect Barack Obama, his spokesman said Friday.

Howard, a friend of outgoing US President George W. Bush and an ally in wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, is booked to stay at Blair House on January 12 to allow him to accept a Presidential Medal of Freedom from Bush.

The overnight stay has angered some US commentators, who say Howard's visit bumped the Obamas from the traditional staging post for incoming presidents ahead of the inauguration on January 20.

But Sydney-based spokesman for Howard, Troy Daniel, said there had been no discussion of the Australian and his wife Janette changing their accommodation, which is across the road from the White House.

The Howards had accepted the invitation unaware that the Obamas were keen to move into the residence, he said.

"As far as I am aware, Mr Howard was not aware of the Obamas' desire to move in earlier when the invitation was put forward," Daniel told AFP.

Daniel was unable to confirm when the Howards were offered the use of Blair House, but said it was "quite a while ago".

The Howards' visit has forced Obama and his family to stay in the nearby Hay-Adams Hotel until they can move into Blair House on January 15.

"I think it's an insult to the American people. There are a lot of hotels in Washington that John Howard can go rent," left-leaning US radio host Bill Press told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Conservative Howard had during his time as prime minister criticised Obama's stance on withdrawing troops from Iraq, saying in 2007 that an Obama win would be welcomed as a victory by terrorists.

"If I were running Al-Qaeda in Iraq, I would ... pray, as many times as possible for a victory not only for Obama but also for the Democrats," he said.

Howard was dumped from office by a centre-left Labor Party led by Kevin Rudd in an election in November 2007.