Bush Says Bin Laden Tape A Reminder Of Dangerous World
President Bush at the APEC summit in Sydney (epa)
Bush, speaking in Sydney, Australia, where he attended an Asia-Pacific (APEC) summit, described the Iraq war as part of the conflict against extremists, and said it was important that the United States show "resolve and determination" to deny Al-Qaeda safe havens.
"I found it interesting that on the tape, Iraq was mentioned, which is a reminder that Iraq is a part of this war against extremists," said Bush. "If Al Qaeda bothers to mention Iraq it's because they want to achieve their objectives in Iraq, which is to drive us out and develop a safe haven and the reason they want a safe haven is to launch attacks against America or any other ally. And therefore it is important that we show resolve and determination to protect ourselves to deny Al Qaeda safe haven and to support young democracies which will be a major defeat to their ambitions."
Parts of the video were broadcast just days ahead of the sixth anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States which Al-Qaeda has claimed to have carried out.
But reports say the video apparently contains no direct threats against the United States or calls for attacks.
U.S. officials say they are analyzing the tape, believed to be bin Laden's first video appearance in nearly three years.
(compiled from agency reports)