Washington: As the US-led war in Iraq entered its third day on March 22, President George W Bush warned the battle could last longer than planned and that the future of peace and hopes of the people of Iraq depended on the American forces fighting in Baghdad.

"A campaign on harsh terrain in a vast country could be longer and more difficult than some have predicted. And helping Iraqis achieve a united, stable, and free country will require our sustained commitment. Yet, whatever is required of us, we will carry out all the duties we have accepted," Bush said in his weekly radio address to the nation.

Stating that the American cause was just - its chief aim to disarm Iraq of weapons of mass destruction and end Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein's support for terrorism, Bush said, "The future of peace and the hopes of the Iraqi people now depend on our fighting forces in the Middle East.

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"At every stage of this conflict the world will see both the power of our military, and the honourable and decent spirit of the men and women who serve," Bush said.

Bush said US had entered the war "reluctantly" but with a "clear and firm purpose" and "will not live at the mercy of an outlaw regime that threatens the peace with weapons of mass murder."

Bush said Saddam's regime had "no regard for the conventions of war or rules of morality. Iraqi officials have placed troops and equipment in civilian areas, attempting to use innocent men, women and children as shields for the dictator's Army.

"I want Americans and all the world to know that coalition forces will make every effort to spare innocent civilians from harm."

However, now that conflict has come, the only way to limit its duration is to apply decisive force. "This will not be a campaign of half-measures. It is a fight for the security of our nation and the peace of the world, and we will accept no outcome but victory," Bush added.

PTI