Bush pledges Afghan aid

Millions of Afghans have fled to neighbouring countries

President George W Bush has announced that the United States is to provide an extra $320m in aid to help Afghanistan's impoverished people during the coming winter.

The money will be spent on food and medicines to assist Afghans who have remained in the drought-stricken country, as well as those who have fled to neighbouring countries and are living in refugee camps.

In our anger, we must never forget that we are a compassionate people

George W Bush

The number of refugees leaving Afghanistan has grown as the US prepares to strike against Saudi militant Osama Bin Laden and his al-Qaeda organisation, who are being sheltered by the Taleban regime in Afghanistan.

In a speech to US State Department workers in Washington, Mr Bush said the people of America had no compassion for terrorists, nor for any state that sponsored them.

But he added: "We have great compassion, however, for the millions around the world who are victims of repressive governments."

The US would work with the United Nations and other organisations to ensure the aid got through to the people of Afghanistan, Mr Bush said.

"In our anger, we must never forget that we are a compassionate people.

"While we firmly and strongly oppose the Taleban regime, we are friends with the Afghan people."