Sean Connery toured Panama City this week to visit several community social projects on the invitation of President Mireya Moscoso.

Connery's tour encompassed the famous canal, one of Moscoso's private coffee plantations, and the isolated Darien province along Panama's border with Colombia.

The small tourist town of mi Pueblito was the stage for Connery to be given official VIP status by Panama City Mayor Juan Carlos Navarro.

He was also given the prestigious Manuel Amador Guerrero award, which is named after the country's first president. The mayor said Connery received the award for his "talent and versatility."

Right: Sean Connery receives his VIP status from Panama City Mayor Juan Carlos Navarro.

Connery took advantage of the media spotlight to join the throngs of celebrities who are voicing their opinions on the current Iraq crisis.

Speaking on the first leg of his four day tour, Connery said:

"I don't know who could be in favour of it, but it can't be stopped. It is inevitable."

Last month James Bond's current boss "M", Dame Judi Dench, also spoke out about the pending war.

Interviewed on UK television ahead of the anti-war protests she said, "I'm a Quaker, I'm against all war for any reason - especially this one!".

Left: Connery talks to the media in MI Pueblito, Pana City (pictures with his wife Micheline )