Bush renews attack on 'axis of evil'

President Bush: Global terror threatens civilised world

US President George Bush has renewed calls for a campaign against those countries he describes as "rogue states", and said the war on terror was far from over.

We are tough, we are determined, we are relentless

President Bush

"These states present an axis of evil and the world must confront them," he said in a speech to the Virginia Military Institute on Wednesday.

"Nations must choose, they are with us or with the terrorists."

He also outlined the second stage of America's military conflict in Afghanistan, Operation Mountain Line, launched with the onset of spring.

He said the aim of the operation was to prevent militants from regrouping and inflicting "murder and mayhem", as the end of winter brings them out of hiding.

Military and law enforcement officers will help states crack down on terror within their borders by denying terrorist organisations money and havens to recruit.

Global peace

"It is important for Americans to know this war will not be quick and this war will not be easy," he said.

US military will assist states with the terror crackdown

"We are tough, we are determined, we are relentless."

He pledged America would help Afghanistan rebuild roads, improve education and medical care.

He said the world must work together to reach global peace.

Europe, he said, had been "aggressive and effective" in its war against terror, having frozen $50m in suspected terrorist money.

Cycle of bloodshed

The Yemen, Philippines and Georgia had all worked with America to help curb terrorism within their borders.

But he said Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, which had co-operated against terror, must now look to stop the cycle of bloodshed and violence in their region.

"All parties have a responsibility to stop funding or inciting terror and the parties must see clearly that a murderer is not a martyr," he said.

"He or she is just a murderer."

He renewed calls on the Palestinians to denounce terror and for Israel to continue its withdrawal from the Occupied Territories.

"The only vision for a long-term solution is two states, Israel and Palestine living side by side in security and peace."