Bush praises Kerry's war record

John Kerry received five medals for bravery in the Vietnam war

US President George W Bush has praised the military record of his election rival, John Kerry, and called a halt to unofficial negative advertising.

Mr Kerry's campaign team has alleged Mr Bush backed ads by Republican-leaning Vietnam veterans which questioned Mr Kerry's record for bravery in the war.

The president said Senator Kerry served "admirably" and called for attacks by external campaign groups to be banned.

The Democrats have described Mr Bush's remarks as "too little, too late".

HAVE YOUR SAY This is the same tactic that senior Bush used when he ran for office. George Laposay, Warrenton, USA Send us your comments Q&A: Kerry's war record

"The moment of truth came and went, and the president still couldn't bring himself to do the right thing," John Edwards, Mr Kerry's running-mate, said.

'War on terror'

President Bush refused to specifically criticise the ads attacking Mr Kerry while they were still on air last week.

Instead, his spokesman said the president himself had been the victim of similar attacks by "shadowy groups".

Questioned on Monday over whether he wanted to put a stop to the ads attacking Mr Kerry's war record, President Bush replied, "That means that ad, every other ad. Absolutely... I think they're bad for the system."

The president called on Mr Kerry to join him in condemning partisan ads paid for by groups not directly allied to the Republicans or the Democrats.

The real issue facing the electorate, President Bush said, is "who best to lead the country in the war on terror".

New Kerry ads

Senator Kerry has made his service in Vietnam - where he earned five medals for valour - a cornerstone of an election campaign dominated by concerns over national security, traditionally seen as a Republican strength.

The Bush campaign says its man is also being discredited

Last week, Mr Kerry's team told the Federal Election Commission the ads - by a group calling itself the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth - were a front for President Bush's re-election campaign.

Mr Bush's spokesman denied the charge.

The ads alleged Mr Kerry exaggerated his valour in combat when he was awarded the medals.

Mr Kerry's team has released a new set of ads in which the men who served under him on a naval vessel in Vietnam pay tribute to his bravery.