The father of a U.S. soldier slain in Iraq tells President Bush, 'You lied, they died'.

Fernando Suarez, whose 20-year-old son, Jesus, was one of the first fatalities, said: "My son died because Bush lied."

Mr Suarez, from Escondido, California, speaking at a press conference to publicise tomorrow's anti-war demonstrations in eight US cities, said that about 1,300 parents of troops stationed in Iraq were involved in a movement against the oc cupation. "It is time for these troops to come home," said Mr Suarez. "Neither my wife nor my family want more children to die in this illegal war. We are no less patriotic for wanting peace. Bush wants $87bn [£52m] for this war, but what does he give us for our schools?" he asked.

In another expression of protest against Bush and his Administration, two fathers of slain soldiers took out a full page ad in the New York Times calling for Rumsfeld's resignation.

"Donald Rumsfeld Betrayed My Sons and Our Nation. It's Time For Him to Go," said the headline of the ad, which was signed by Larry Syverson from Richmond, Virginia. The ad was paid for by MoveOn.org, an internet-based organisation.

It is estimated that 1,300 parents of troops sent to Iraq have joined an opposition movement.