Bush reinforces anti-terror pledge

Bush: America will never rest until terrorism is defeated

US President George W Bush says he will spend whatever it takes to win the fight against international terrorism and to keep America safe.

In his weekly radio address, Mr Bush said America would not rest until worldwide terrorism had been defeated.

We will carry on the campaign against global terror until we achieve our goal: The peace that comes from victory

President Bush

The president, who has already proposed the biggest increase in 20 years in US defence for 2003, said he would tell Americans the government's responsibilities started with the defence of the United States after the 11 September attacks.

In his speech - a preview of his State of the Union address to be delivered next Tuesday - the president said his priorities reflected "a single overarching commitment: to enhance the security of America and its people."

Whatever it takes

"We'll protect our people in every way necessary and we will carry on the campaign against global terror until we achieve our goal: The peace that comes from victory," the president said in his weekly broadcast.

He said the fight would be long but America would not be deterred.

"Our fight against terrorism began in Afghanistan, but it will not end there. America must not rest until every terrorist group of global reach has been found, stopped and defeated."

Bush has already announced a boost for emergency services

On Wednesday, Mr Bush announced plans for a $48bn increase in defence spending for 2003 - the largest rise in US military spending in 20 years.

He also proposed to double to $37.7bn the expenditure for "homeland security", as well as big increases for the country's immigration service.

"My budget calls for... investing in more precision weapons, missile defences, unmanned vehicles and high-tech equipment for our soldiers on the ground. I will also seek another pay increase for the men and women who wear our country's uniform," he said.

"We will spend what it takes to win the war against terrorism."

America must not rest until every terrorist group of global reach has been found, stopped and defeated

President Bush

Mr Bush pointed out that the US Government had already acted to increase airport security and investigate terrorist activity.

He promised to complete the hiring of tens of thousands of new federal airport security workers, strengthen border patrols and hire another 300 FBI agents, saying: "The American people are on watch against future attacks and their government will be as well."